Minnow to Matador: Looking Good in Rouge

The car pulled up beside a players’ folding tunnel that led into the back entrance of the stadium which, if I’m being honest, was a behemoth compared to the Savon Sanomat Areena in Kuopio. But before I could take in the majesty of the stadium I was ushered out of the car in hast and […]

Minnow to Matador: Sifting Through The Managerial Mess

“A lot of football success is in the mind. You must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are” – Bill Shankly (1913 – 1981) The beautiful game; play your cards right and you can just about achieve anything you set your mind to – whether you’re a player or a […]

Minnow to Matador: A Swan Song in Kuopio

With the morning light creeping over the rusted stands of the Savon Sanomat Areena, I suddenly had a creeping thought hit me. ‘I’ve been hear for almost three years now’. Not only had the time flown by, but a gut-wrenching feeling hit him; ‘my contract with the club will be up this November’. When I […]

Minnow to Matador: A New Dawn in Finland

A new season beckons for the Premier League clubs spread throughout the dense countryside of Finland. 12 teams – one title! For KuPS, however, the season could be a defining moment for both players, fans and their young manager. With a new crop of talent brought in to provide stability, KuPS’ young gaffer will be […]

Minnow to Matador: Cold Winds Rising in Kuopio

Life in Kuopio couldn’t have been more erratic than my start at KuPS last season. Thrown into a relegation battle both me and my staff has managed to steer the club away from relegation, a feat that showed me just how harsh football in Finland can be. Despite the club’s poor league performance throughout the […]

Minnow to Matador: From Islington to Kuopio

“I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the business. But I was the top one.” – Brian Clough (1935 – 2004) Many lads dream of donning their boyhood club’s jerseys; walking side-by-side with their heroes onto the pitch and giving it their all for the fans. For those wishing to get into the […]