VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
ATLANTA UNITED vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #3
SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018, 4:30 PM PDT
MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM, ATLANTA, GA.
TV: TSN 2 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN GO
Episode 250 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Atlanta Preview Show) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps’ perfect season is still on! Two games. Two wins. Can it get any better?! They’re going to have a tough time maintaining that 100% start this week though, with big spending Atlanta United their next foes.
‘Caps aim for best-ever start Saturday in Atlanta – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have yet to start an MLS season with three straight wins. But that will be the goal on Saturday, when they visit Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after a pair of 2-1 results over Montreal Impact and Houston Dynamo.
Whitecaps head to Atlanta looking for third straight win to start 2018 – TSN
A win Saturday against Atlanta United FC gives the Vancouver Whitecaps a chance to add another item on the list of things the Major League Soccer team has never done.
Vancouver looks to make themselves at home at The Dome – The Province
The lack of height in Hotlanta’s defence was also notable in their 4-0 season-opening loss to Houston, so it’s no surprise set-piece defending is something they have been working hard at all week.
Height is might in Atlanta United vs. Vancouver – AJC
In Vancouver’s 2-1 win last week at Houston – the same Dynamo team that walloped Atlanta United 4-0 – the Whitecaps started seven players who are at least 5-foot-11 and 10 who are least 5-9.
Vancouver Whitecaps look to bend not break against Atlanta United – Pro Soccer USA
After taking all three points on the road against the Houston Dynamo last week, the Vancouver Whitecaps look to build on their road record, currently the best in Major League Soccer.
Saturday’s game between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlanta United will be broadcast in over 50 countries on 6 continents. – Atlanta United
Atlanta United is already the soccer capital of the South, but the club’s ambitions go beyond its regional borders. A major part of becoming the global team people want to watch in Major League Soccer is getting their eyes on the red, black and gold. Here is what countries will be broadcasting the game:
Kendall Waston called up to Costa Rica for road friendlies versus Scotland and Tunisia – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed Thursday that captain Kendall Waston has been called up to the Costa Rican national team for their upcoming international friendlies against Scotland and Tunisia.
Conspiracy theory time: Does MLS hate Vancouver? – Eighty-Six Forever
I’m not a big believer in conspiracy theories, but if I was someone who bought into them, I would be chomping at the bit after something I read on Twitter the other day. User Adam Smith charted how many times the Major League Soccer Twitter account mentions and retweets individual clubs. Smith was trying to prove a point about the league relatively ignoring the Columbus Crew ever since Anthony Precourt announced he intended to move the beloved franchise out of central Ohio to Austin, Texas. What became apparent to me pretty quickly, after checking out the data, is that the Vancouver Whitecaps are fairing as poorly, if not worse, than Columbus in many of the categories.
Myer Bevan called up to New Zealand for friendly against Canada – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Thursday that striker Myer Bevan has been called up to the New Zealand national team for their upcoming friendly versus Canada on March 24.
MLS Weekend Preview: 401 Derby and Petke’s reunion – NBC Sports
Major League Soccer has reached Week 3 of its 2018 season, though much of the focus has been on the CONCACAF Champions League.
Match Preview: Toronto FC at Montreal Impact – Toronto FC
The 401 Derby is back. The Reds head to the Olympic Stadium in Montreal in search of their first win in league play. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Impact.
Impact hope home field is tonic to notch first win in Big O opener – Montreal Gazette
The Impact should have an advantage Saturday afternoon when they launch their home schedule at Olympic Stadium against Toronto.
Impact have signing in sight, but not in time for home opener vs TFC – Sportsnet
The Montreal Impact are searching for reinforcements after dropping their first two games of the Major League Soccer season, but no help is expected in time for their showdown Saturday with rival Toronto FC.
Savarese’s Choice: To Press or Not To Press? – Stumptown Football
It should be hardly controversial to say the 2018 Portland Timbers have yet to discover their tactical identity.
D.C. United waited to land Joseph Mora. Now it’s hurrying to get him in the starting 11 – Washington Post
An MLS roster is a living, growing organism that evolves even after the season commences and often takes new shape in the summer. Slots are commonly left open in case a prized target from halfway around the world becomes available. Depth is a constant pursuit.
Houston Dynamo Looking to Get Back to Winning Ways in Trip at D.C. United – Dynamo Theory
The Houston Dynamo are set for their first road trip of the year as they travel to our nation’s capital to take on D.C. United. Or, they would be if Audi Field, D.C.’s new home, were ready. Instead, the Dynamo are headed towards the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, MD.
Liga MX defeats to Major League Soccer clubs a sign of things to come? – ESPN
The CONCACAF Champions League normally brings an air of Liga MX dominance over Major League Soccer competition once things reach the quarterfinal stage. Yet this week saw Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls triumph over Mexican opposition to cause a little panic.
The Fan’s Voice: How Negativity Nearly Killed the Philadelphia Union Ownership Deal – Sportstalk Philly
Fans have seemingly gotten what they wanted for this Philadelphia Union team as Richard Leibovitch has all but been confirmed as the new minority owner of the club. The longing moaners and drawn-out tweeters from a hungry fan base across all platforms of social media can rest a little easier knowing their team is strengthening its’ position as a team that can get their man, no matter the cost.
Crew SC owners present ‘Commitment to the Community’ letter to Austin – Pro Soccer USA
Precourt Sports Ventures, which owns Crew SC, continued to build its case Tuesday for studying a site in Austin, Texas, for a Major League Soccer stadium, releasing a four-page “Commitment to the Community” letter detailing the benefits of an MLS team.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
The B.C. NDP will rue the day it said no to FIFA – Georgia Straight
What was the province even doing in spending taxpayer funds (estimated to be in the neighbourhood of $365 million) to improve the stadium and add the retractable roof if it wasn’t angling to host world-class events?
‘IT’S DISAPPOINTING’: Canada’s United Bid moving on after Vancouver snubs World Cup – Toronto Sun
It was a baffling decision from a provincial government that cares more about political posturing than business metrics and the voices of Canadians, more than three-quarters of who support Canada’s United Bid with the U.S. and Mexico, according to Ipsos.
VMSL Cup Semifinals Weekend – VMSL
VMSL Cup Semifinals take place this weekend throughout the Lower Mainland. Find your weekend match here!
Cup semifinal loss among LMG’s ‘worst ever’ – Cowichan Valley Citizen
Glen Martin has coached a lot of soccer, including more than a dozen years at the top level of the Vancouver Island Soccer League, but his team’s 3-1 loss in the Jackson Cup semifinals on Saturday just might be an all-time low.
Three more clubs achieve Standard 1 of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program: Preston GM Langley Football Club, North Vancouver Football Club, and BC Tigers Football Club – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is pleased to announce that three more soccer clubs, Preston GM Langley Football Club (LFC), North Vancouver Football Club (NVFC) and BC Tigers Football Club (BCTFC), have achieved standard 1 of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program over the last four weeks.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season yickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
(Spring Sessions now available) Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
Becoming a BC Soccer Referee – BCSA
Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to the discipline of refereeing BC Soccer Assoc. has a clinic and a pathway for you. The minimum age to become a referee is 12 years old (small sided) and 14 years old (11-a-side). Please enjoy the short video showcasing some Referee programs that BC Soccer offers and continue below for more on how to become a referee in BC!
Free Physiotherapy Clinical Trial for Achilles Pain at UBC – UBC Centre for Hip Health & Mobility
Do you have Achilles pain? Interested in free Physiotherapy? If yes, join our clinical trial to look at the effectiveness of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), a form of acupuncture therapy, in treating Achilles tendon pain.
The BC Soccer Web Guide to Empire Field – BC Soccer Web
Empire Fields and Plateau Sports Park is the lofty and formal name given to Vancouver’s newest addition to the soccer scene. Yet, anyone who’s ever kicked or carried both kinds of footballs around these parts knows the place by heart.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
You can now add BC Soccer Web news to your website simply by adding our new RSS Feed! Find out more.
Send your Soccer News to BC Soccer Web! – BC Soccer Web
BC Soccer Web is the hub for soccer in British Columbia. We want to share your soccer news with the entire province, and you can help by letting us know! We want your match reports, club news, league standings, and info on upcoming tournaments and clinics. Whether you submit links to existing news on the web, or your own original writing, we want to share it with the soccer community in B.C.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
23 Candidate Host Cities to be Included in United Bid to Host the 2026 FIFA World Cup – CSA
On the eve of submitting its bid to FIFA to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United Bid announced its list of 23 Candidate Host Cities that will be included in the Bid Book. The three Canadian cities to be included are Edmonton, Montréal, and Toronto.
Power play: United 2026 unveils 23 cities and a vision for the World Cup – Inside World Football
“One thing about our bid is that we have no shortage of cities. We have an oversupply of great cities and venues,” said John Kristick, the United 2026 bid executive director.
What you need to know about Canada’s World Cup bid – Sportsnet
Bid proposals from both sides must be officially submitted to FIFA by Friday. After months of deliberation, world soccer’s governing body will hold a vote to determine who will host the 2026 World Cup.
Sohi to make announcement Friday on World Cup soccer bid – National Post
Amarjeet Sohi, federal minister of infrastructure and communities, will make a “sport announcement” at Commonwealth Stadium Friday morning alongside the Canadian co-chair of a World Cup soccer bid.
Alberta says no to supporting Edmonton bid to host 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup – National Post
Peter Montopoli, general secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association, says Edmonton remains a candidate host city, but acknowledges some questions still have to be answered.
Feds, Canada Soccer plan major “sports announcement” for Edmonton, then, an hour later, Alberta government says “no funding” for World Cup bid – the11.ca
Unlike Vancouver, where BC Place is provincially controlled, Commonwealth Stadium is run by the City of Edmonton. If Sohi’s announcement tomorrow does include some sort of federal support, it could (stress “could”) help Edmonton cope with the fact that money won’t be coming from the province. As well, Alberta must have an election on or before May, 2019. Host cities will be chosen after that date. So, if there is a change in the political landscape, or even the political winds, Edmonton could hang on and hope for a new deal.
Local soccer fans will like this: 2026 World Cup bid includes Bay Area – San Jose Mercury
San Francisco is one of 23 cities included in a joint U.S., Canada and Mexico bid for the 2026 World Cup.
Morocco bid to stay in 2026 World Cup contest vs Americans – NBC Sports
There’s intrigue around a process that could see FIFA disqualify a bid before the June vote if it can’t meet the requirements for the first World Cup after the leap from 32 to 48 competing teams.
Labbe to play for Calgary Foothills this Saturday – the11.ca
Stephanie Labbe will take a major step Saturday in her quest to claim a spot with Calgary Foothills.
Memorial Sea-Hawks men’s soccer team gets commitment for N.L. Games player – The Telegram
The Memorial Sea-Hawks men’s soccer team is adding one of the stalwarts from Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2017 Canada Games team to the roster.
Devo FC clinches men’s indoor soccer title – Medicine Hat
The Earls Phantoms got the last laugh, but there was no stopping Devo FC from taking this year’s Medicine Hat Senior Men’s Indoor Soccer League crown.
Why Canada needs its own league: A perspective from a soccer parent – the11.ca
On Friday night, supporters will gather in Edmonton to salute FC Edmonton alumni and to rally support for the club. The group Yeg For CPL is rallying support in their quest to resurrect FCE, this time as a member of the Canadian Premier League. The CanPL will debut in 2019. This letter offers some insight to why the Canadian Premier League will be so important to soccer families in this country.
2018 Allstate High Performance Soccer Clinic Registration Opens – CSA
Allstate’s popular High Performance Soccer Clinics, featuring Canadian National Team athletes, are set to visit communities in four provinces in 2018. Registration for the free clinic events are now open for young soccer players aged 10-16 looking to increase their performance and hone their skills both on and off the pitch.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
USL kicks off 2018 season with record 33 teams – Soccer America
The USL kicks off its eighth season on Friday. While the Division 2 rival NASL won’t operate in 2018, the USL continues to enjoy unprecedented growth. It will field 33 teams in 2018, almost triple the number of teams it had for its modest launch in 2011.
USL Week 1: A Look Ahead – SBI
The 2018 United Soccer League season kicks off Friday with an expected sellout in a Cascadia rivalry, last year’s champions taking on a southern newcomer, and a face off between two intriguing expansion teams.
Pro sports teams in Fresno have come and gone. Here’s why soccer has staying power – Fresno Bee
Unlike the previous teams, most of which quickly went defunct, Fresno FC has staying power. I expect the Foxes (as they are nicknamed) to be part of the fabric of this community for a good long while.
Match Preview: Toronto FC II at New York Red Bull II – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II open up their fourth season in the USL this weekend when they travel to Red Bull Arena to battle NYRB II. It will be the first competitive game under head coach Laurent Guyot with the Young Reds looking to rebound from a down 2017. To get you set here is everything you need to know ahead of kickoff.
Ryerson alumnus signs with Toronto FC II – Ryersonian
Former Ryerson Rams defender Robert Boskovic has signed with the Toronto FC II, the USL affiliate team of Toronto FC.
S2 Eager for New Era in Tacoma – USL
Seattle Sounders FC 2 will enter a new era when it steps onto the field at Cheney Stadium on Friday night as the club makes Tacoma its new home for the 2018 season, and beyond.
Seattle Sounders FC 2 2018 season preview – Sounder At Heart
A lot of things changed this offseason for Seattle Sounders FC 2. They left Starfire, the only home they had ever had, and moved on from Ezra Hendrickson, the head coach who had been with them since their inaugural season. Despite all those changes, when S2 take to Cheney Field at 7 PM on Friday night under coach John Hutchinson, the goal will be the same as it ever was: Develop players for the First Team.
USL Preview: New name, new outlook for Penn FC – The Brotherly Game
With all the changes between last season and this season, there’s not a lot of the old City Islanders left with Penn FC. However, I hope that the physical style of play that was a trademark of Bill Becher’s teams remains in place for Penn FC this season. Based on what’s been seen in the preseason, it feels like that’s going to be the case.
Swope Park Rangers: 2018 Season Preview – The Blue Testament
The Swope Park Rangers, Sporting Kansas City’s USL club, closed their preseason with a 2-1-3 record following a dominate 6-1 victory over the University of Missouri-Kansas City last week. Now the two-time Western Conference Final champions will officially kick off their 2018 campaign tomorrow on the road when they face Reno 1868 FC.
USL Preview: Bethlehem Steel built for both development and competition – The Brotherly Game
Bethlehem Steel kick off their third season this Sunday against Richmond, and while you can watch all the games on YouTube (Sunday’s is here) coming out to a match is the best way to figure out who comprises the next wave of Union stars and what the Academy-USL-MLS pipeline is all about. That being said, I totally understand that it’s money and time that people might not have or want to spend, so here’s a few plots coming into the 2018 season.
Cosmos, Miami FC respond to U.S. Open Cup exclusion – SBI
The field and format for the 2018 U.S. Open Cup was finalized this week, and three notable clubs are absent from the list of participants.
Achieving Longevity in the Notoriously Unstable World of Lower-Division Soccer – Fifty Five One
Fans of the lower-division game in and around Minnesota have never been more spoiled for choice locally, with the NPSL North — having burst on the scene last summer — now gearing up for its 2018 season with a consistent slate of teams. That isn’t damning them with faint praise.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
National Women’s Soccer League makes modest increase to salary cap, does away with amateur player rule – Oregonian
The National Women’s Soccer League has raised its salary cap from $315,000 to $350,000 for the 2018 season.
Orlando Pride Helping to Push Women’s Soccer Forward in the U.S. – The Mane Land
While not one of the NWSL’s founding teams, the Orlando Pride have wasted little time in leaving a mark on the league, and women’s soccer in America as a whole.
Women’s World Cup soccer stars headline Jefferson Cup weekend in Richmond – Richmond Times-Dispatch
Come Saturday, the Richmond Kickers are hoping to hit another home run hosting a different competition, this time an exhibition match between the Washington Spirit and the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League, the first women’s game at City Stadium since the U.S. Women’s National team hosted South Korea in November 2008.
The Lowdown: Lots of blame to go around in Christen Press-Houston Dash fiasco – The Equalizer
With 10 days to go until the start of National Women’s Soccer League’s sixth season, there is one story that won’t go away — and won’t without a resolution. Christen Press has not reported to the Houston Dash and, as reported late last week by Corey Roepken in the Houston Chronicle, has no intention of doing so.
Crowley delighted with ‘quality’ Shelbourne squad – Irish WNL
New Shelbourne Ladies manager Danny Crowley is enjoying his first experience in the Continental Tyres Women’s National League as he leads the side into the 2018 season.
Working in partnership to realise the vision for women’s football in Australia – FFA
What will women’s football look like in 2028? That is the question Football Federation Australia (FFA) is asking stakeholders in the football community and the beyond as part of their collaboration on a new 10-year plan for the women’s game.
SAFA walks the talk on women empowerment in football – The Southern Times
The South African Football Association (safa) is proving its seriousness about making women empowerment in football a priority. Conversely, the number of women in leadership positions in South African football in the past five years has grown significantly, albeit, not as fast as SAFA would like.
Megan Rapinoe On Getting Ready For The 2019 World Cup And The Fight For Equal Pay In U.S. Soccer – Uproxx
Megan Rapinoe has a lot going on right now. On the pitch, the ultra-talented midfielder for Seattle Reign FC is preparing for the start of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season, with her first match taking place on March 24. She also has her sights set on the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which featured something of a tune up earlier this month, as the United States took down England, France, and Germany to win the She Believes Cup.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Bob Lenarduzzi: Will struggling Southampton wilt against Wigan? – The Province
The FA Cup quarter-finals are this weekend, as seven Premier League sides compete for the famed trophy, along with League One giant-killers Wigan Athletic.
European Weekend Preview: RB Leipzig hosts Bayern, Lyon travels to Marseille, and more – SBI
RB Leipzig had a dream campaign last year, finishing second following their promotion into the German Bundesliga. This season has been a struggle for the club, though, as they currently sit in sixth place ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Bayern Munich.
Payet to take France frustration out on Lyon? – Ligue 1
Olympique de Marseille host Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday with captain Dimitri Payet having missed out on the latest France squad, but enjoying the kind of form to show Didier Deschamps what he might be missing.
Real Madrid, Juventus meet in Champions League quarterfinal in rematch of last year’s final – Toronto Star
Madrid will travel to Turin for the first leg on April 3 against the Italian champion it beat 4-1 in the 2017 final at Cardiff. Meanwhile, Liverpool will play Manchester City in an all-English clash.
Manchester City avoid Spanish giants, but Liverpool draw will be no picnic – ESPN
Put the passports and the sun cream away. Manchester City are heading 35 miles down the road to Liverpool for their next Champions League adventure. No Andalusian sunshine, no snow-capped Bavarian Alps — it will be the train to Lime Street Station and a familiar walk up the Scotland Road that awaits City’s travelling support.
Europa League roundup: Dortmund and Lyon crash out but Atlético march on – The Guardian
Atlético Madrid won comfortably at Lokomotiv Moscow to progress to the last eight but Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0 with Red Bull Salzburg so the Austrian side’s 2-1 win in Germany last week was enough for them to advance. Lyon, meanwhile, lost 3-2 at home to CSKA Moscow and were eliminated on away goals.
Europa League quarterfinal field set – NBC Sports
Longtime Liverpool man Lucas Leiva led Lazio into the UEFA Europa League, as eight teams not await Friday morning’s quarterfinal draw.
Europa League draw: Foreign Office warns Arsenal fans about risks of attending away CSKA Moscow quarter-final tie – The Telegraph
Arsenal fans travelling to Moscow for the club’s Europa League quarter-final next month have been warned of potential anti-British sentiment or harassment, although there are no new reports of any increased difficulties for British visitors.
Why Barcelona’s march for a treble is nothing short of amazing – ESPN
I have a longtime Barca-watching friend who likes to sniff and say that this is the worst Barcelona team in a decade. The natural reaction to such a statement is to throw facts and numbers back in his face.
AFC Wimbledon aim to move into new Plough Lane stadium for 2019-20 season – BBC Sport
AFC Wimbledon aim to have their new stadium at Plough Lane ready for the beginning of the 2019-20 season.
Mourinho defends record at Man United in 12-minute rant – Sportsnet
In a 12-minute rant using statistics from a notebook in front of him, Jose Mourinho launched a strong defence of his time in charge of Manchester United that included a dig at managerial rival Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Full transcript of Jose Mourinho’s extraordinary 12-minute Manchester United press conference defence – The Telegraph
Under-fire Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho went on an extraordinary, wide-ranging rant ahead of the crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton.
Aussies open bidding for two new A-League expansion slots – Inside World Football
Australian FA (FFA) chief executive David Gallop has confirmed that bidding for places in the expanded A-League will begin by the end of March, with 10 groups having already declared their intention to bid for the extra 2 places which will be on offer.
Hong Kong to discuss law to imprison national anthem protesters – ESPN
Hong Kong authorities on Friday unveiled planned legislation punishing anyone who insults China’s national anthem with up to three years in prison, after football fans have repeatedly booed it at matches.
Sam Clucas: ‘One fan wrote, If he plays above League Two I’ll eat my hat’ – The Guardian
The Swansea midfielder opens up about defying critics, the damage fans do on Twitter and the secrets behind the Carlos Carvalhal revival.
FA Cup: Wigan manager Paul Cook eyeing a Wembley semi-final – BBC Sport
Aged 39, and with the Sandgrounders in the Football Conference relegation zone at the start of 2007, Cook was out of work, his first job as a manager over after 25 league games. Eleven years on – and after steering Chesterfield and Portsmouth to promotion – the lifelong Liverpool fan is one win from a Wembley appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals with League One Wigan.