(Did you like what I did there, if only there was a little less thought in these blogs I could be a tabloid journo yet!)
I'm considering joining a new football team...I say considering for a few reasons; firstly the home pitch is over an hour away, secondly, its a work team which means indiscretions which were actively encouraged in other teams I have played for may adversely effect my work and lastly the last three competitive games I've played in have ended in two knee injuries, one torn groin and one mass brawl culminating in a supporter having her rib broken by the ref...so you could say there are anxiety issues.
What it does mean though, is that I am perfectly within my right to go out and purchase a new pair of football boots. Not that I need the excuse to go out and buy a pair or even to peruse the latest offerings on the internet but its easier to justify the cost to myself if there is competitive football to be played.
Boots have always featured heavily in the life of a young footyfile blogger, like most people I know, I can still remember the first pair of football boots I ever had, they were a pair of Inter Genoa boots bought for the princely sum of £20 and given their debut in my competitive debut for my primary school. Since then I have gone through countless boots, a pair of blue Patrick boots, red Patrick boots, the classic Puma Kings were the last addition to the collection, although recent years have seen an affinity for Lotto boots (seriously, if you've never tried a pair they are without doubt the most comfortable boot ever...its pretty much like your foot getting a hug from an incredibly gentle bear). Its always a big event breaking a new pair in, but before we get there we must decide what footwear we will be donning, for what some people don't realise is, is the power of your boots.
I'm not talking all this science stuff that goes into boots nowadays (especially since it seems to mean that manufacturers can charge extortionate amounts), personally I don't really believe a lot of the hype...obviously if boots are lighter you may be able to run faster. What I'm referring to is the statement your boots make about you as a person...from the man who has just picked up the pair on special offer to the man who cleans his boots with a toothbrush after each game, a lot can be gleaned from a pair of boots, as an opponent lining up on a Sunday morning, you know what to expect from the boots of the guy you're marking.
You have your standard types...the winger with the League 2 haircut and luminous boots who is going to be trying tricks all day long but only really using electric pace, however crossing, shooting and passing all seem a little bit beyond his capabilities (oh...and heading is a no-no, he might mess up his hair). Similarly, the striker with a shaven head and lightweight boots, these won't be quite as bright as the wingers and probably will have hints of last weeks mud on them. This striker will be a slightly trickier customer, he will have strength and vision to go with the tricks but he also has an even bigger ego and believes that Paul Scholes can tackle...woe betide any centre half who steps round him.
In terms of attacking flair, the only other boots to look out for come from the Adidas Predator wearer...loves a Hollywood pass, spraying balls across the park from all angles, however, like all good super heroes there is a weakness too, like Nigel Quashie, if it opens up they will take the shot on, be it from 20yrds or 40yrds...and more often than not it will end up in Row Z (fyi I'm not suggesting in any way shape or form that big Nigel was a) a talented passer of the ball or b) a superhero).
Defenders and central midfielders are a far more simpler breed, they enjoy a sturdy boot made for battle, something that won't spring open at the first sign of a 50-50 challenge, boots that lick their lips in anticipation if the opposition players gets fed a hospital ball. For these guys, the metatarsal is not so much a brittle bone on the top of a foot, its a target on which to zero in the full impact of a set of studs.
The only players who throw the system are the full backs...mainly because your average defender is either a) a frustrated centre half who is too short or b) a frustrated winger who filled in one week to do a job and did so well they never got moved forwards again...you'll know which one your playing against when you either get skinned or lumped into the stand.
Boots are more than something just to wear, boots speak volumes about you as a player...so next time you're in the shop or searching the internet for your next purchase, just remember the golden rule...no one likes a player in pink boots.
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