I just noticed that Sparkey mentioned the 'false number 9', whatever that is, but a new one on me and it got me thinking about the old football cliches we used to say. I grew up in Belfast where a player 'turned on a sprazzie' or as you say here 'turned on a sixpence'. I'm sure there are some of these expressions that are local to Wales as well as many others, so it would be interesting to hear what old terms you can remember. Come on, get your thinking caps on and fill the onion bag!
Dissappointed players when interviewed were "as sick as a parrot", and when happy with the game "over the moon".....
When did goalposts stop being made of wood? You never hear he’s hit the metal - it’s still he’s hit the woodwork. I still talk of wing half's, stoppers and inside forwards, and the midfield general The real oldies here probably still call the keeper the Custodian
My favourite saying is “ my Todge is bigger than a jagged tramline”...I regularly use it at dinner partie! Gets a laugh every time....if they only knew eh!” Used kacks back in stock!
I've noticed not many players seem to hit the ball on the half-volley any more if you listen to the commentators. They all seem to be volleys nowadays. Obvious one is linesman (or rather linesperson these days) as they are now promoted to assistant referees. Except of course when in Europe and you have the extra officials behind the goal line. They of course are known as pointless! (Do they even still have them?). There also don't seem to be any crunching tackles these days.... could be terminology or maybe it's just because it's a non-contact sport these days
One phrase I hate is so and so sent the keeper the wrong way with his penalty. Balls, I played keeper quite often and always decided which way I was going. In fact I used to try to send the penalty taker the wrong way by dummying one way then going the other. I was pretty successful as well, probably saving 40 to 50%. Crsp at other aspects of keeping though.
Think my biggest gripe with modern commentary nowadays is how almost all players (especially those playing for the big clubs) are described as "World Class" even if they are, in reality, just very good or just simply good players. Also, how many players are "top top players" these days... Oh, also don't really hear of players putting the ball into Row Z either any more.
The commentators' phrase of choice. "Unbelievable!!!" No it's not, it happened and it probably happened before. Prime example being the Czech second goal v. Scotland. It was not unbelievable. We have seen it twice at CCS, Hudson and Vaulks. In fact Marshie may well have been in goal when Hudson scored. I will check (no pun intended). And Hudson's goal was struck from in his own half, not a short range 45 yarder. P.S. 21st April 2012 in a 2.0 win over Direby. Described as being scored from 10 yards inside his own half. And, yes, Marshie was in goal for us.
Of a more specific nature, Newport's old ground, Somerton Park, had a speedway track around it. Back in the late 60's/early 70's Newport had a full back, Peter Passey, who was not known for his subtlety in dealing with opposing wingers. As they tried to pass him he often used his physical attributes to nudge the winger into touch, leaving said winger to do face plants on to the speedway track, hence the cry from the crowd, "Show him the shale, Pete". Many a winger would need treatment for skin abrasions to all visible body parts. It was not pretty but very effective. He was never as good away from home.
I lived on Brynglas, above the tunnels, about 3 miles from Somerton. Always knew when the speedway was on. The noise spread across the town and on a clear night you could see the dust rising. Never went myself but my uncle and his boys were big fans.
Pitched up and found an open spot with a good view. First race about to start and a bloke wandered up and asked if it was our first visit. We were on a bend and about to get pebbledashed.
When I played in the Cardiff Sunday League our goalie was called Teflon. The ball never stuck to his gloves!
When I started playing for Tongwynlais, one of the lads, a better than average midfielder, kept shouting "Hide it", whenever I got the ball. However the referee reacted poorly when I picked it up and stuffed it up my shirt. I was only following instructions.
