March 27th, 2007
Chelsea and France striker Nicolas Anelka has been taken hostage by a woman insisting the French striker is allowed to wear a pair of pink football boots against Bordeaux in the Champions League.
March 27th, 2007
Cristiano Ronaldo is renowned for his trickery, but it looks like he has met his match in the Manchester United kit man Albert Morgan.
We all know that Manchester United and Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo is a bit special with a football, but we were pretty bemused at Footy Boots HQ, when we saw this footage featuring Manchester United’s kit man Albert Morgan.
Morgan is seen in the changing room after a game putting Ronaldo’s Nike Pro Ultimate shirt on. Not sure we’d want Ronaldo’s sweaty, tighlty fit gament on our back, but it seemed to transform the Manchester United kit man.
Morgan then took to the Old Trafford turf and demonstrated some fine skills, including the continuous volley off the cross bar skill that Ronaldinho was famous for in another video.
The film ends when Ronaldo reclaims the shirt. Go Albert……
March 27th, 2007
Concave invited Footy Boots behind the scenes to watch the filming of their new grassroots video. With a chance to see the Concave football boots in a natural environment, we took them up on their offer.
Concave chose a local football team to feature in their video, a club called Riseley Sports, who play in the Bedfordshire Premier League, UK.
We arrived on location to be welcomed with grey sky and drizzle, typical!
True to their word, Concave had not arranged any special conditions, this video was being filmed on a village playing field and the players were a selection of lads from Riseley’s squad.
The film crew were well prepared by the time we arrived as they wanted to record the lads turning up at the playing field, which they duly did.
The players had a quick knock up in their existing gear before their coach handed out the new Concave football boots. It was obvious that the players had not seen them before and they were all interested in the unique upper component.
Once the lads had the football boots on, it seemed like they wanted to take some anger out on the ball. Many of the players were smacking the ball as hard as they could, something the Concave boys explained always happens when a player first gets in a Concave. Once they settled down and stopped trying to send the football into Orbit, the players started to enjoy themselves, at the goalkeepers expense.
Concave wanted the lads to test the Power and Accuracy of the football boots. Remember, Concave independent tests say that accuracy is improved by 30% and power by 15%.
For the lads to feel the power of the football boots, footballs were placed at various lengths away from the goal and the players shot at goal repeatedly. They were raining shots at the goal and we could only feel sorry for the keeper who was trying to keep the ball out of the net.
For the accuracy test, Concave attached an accuracy net to the top right hand corner of the goal. From a distance around 5 yards outside of the penalty area, the players were asked to hit the ball into the net. We were surprised by the results.
To see how the Riseley Sports players got on, watch the video…..
Visit the Concave website
March 27th, 2007
Pop over to Austria and Switzerland, find yourself a football pundit and ask this question: “Will Fabio Capello make a difference to the forthcoming performances of the England national team?”
The response you’ll get will probably be along the lines of ‘he’s a great manager and coach but you can only work with the tools you’re given’.
And that, in a nutshell, is England’s problem. Lots of enthusiasm, endeavour and belief but, at the end of the day (Brian) not enough technical ability.
Capello is going to have to work miracles to earn his enormous salary because, lets be honest, any Tom, Dick or Harry would probably pick at least 9 out of any England starting XI (James, Ferdinand, Terry, Cole, Gerrard, Barry, J Cole, Bentley, Rooney ? that’s our go).
And despite flirting with Terry Venables’ Xmas tree formation and the glory days when the likes of Mark Wright could manipulate the ball at the back like a continental defender, it’s going to be 4-4-2. Come to think of it £6 million a year is a lot of dough to select about 2 players and send them on their way with a: “C’mona lads. You canna do it. These Moldovans are of a poor quality. Justa lika any shop bought pasta sauce.” Or something like that.
So with the likes of Portugal, Spain and Holland showing the rest of Europe how high tempo, flowing, constructive, technically superior football should be played, it’s perhaps apt that Nike and the Premier League have chosen this time to team up to find the best footballing talent in the UK at a series of trials called Most Wanted.
The Most Wanted events will be running throughout July across the UK & Ireland and are designed to find 22 young talents with the hunger, drive and determination to take their game to the next level.
Starting on July 5 in London, the Most Wanted team will be running a series of open trials for 150 players (per trial) committed to prepare for the 08/09 season like it’s their last. At each event those worthy enough, those prepared to stand up and be counted, will be selected for the Most Wanted Final Squad and experience the ultimate training weekend with some of football’s biggest names.
Working with it’s stable of world-class talent within the FA Premier League, including Wayne Rooney, Joe Cole and William Gallas, Nike has developed a series of technical, mental and physical football trials that will test the all round strength of a select group of young British football talent.
Backing this up is a Nike TV advert which will air for the first time on ITV tomorrow night. However, being a Footy Boots regular, you don’t need to wait until then as you can catch a sneak preview here.
Featuring Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, it gives a truly unique insight into the passion and inspiration he brings to his players. The spot captures footage from the Carrington training ground where Sir Alex is running the rule over the latest crop of youth talent.Whilst watching over the training session, Ferguson’s relentless ambition and desire to take it to the next level come to the fore through a voiceover that the likes of Ronaldo, Rooney and Ferdinand will be all too familiar with.
With the failure of the Home Nations to qualify for Euro 2008, Fergie asks each young footballer watching if they are prepared to train for next season as if it’s their last and if they are good enough and strong enough to part of his Most Wanted.
“I know my reputation precedes me. But reputations don’t win games. Some call it temper. My boys know its passion. And they respect it. Because it means they’re worthy. The question is, are you? Are you going to sit back and watch a party that you are not invited to?.Or are you going to stand up and be counted? You have two months to become my most wanted. There’ll be no trophies, no gimmicks, no poetry. Just plain old fashioned graft. I’ll be waiting.”
An insider on set said: “It was amazing watching Sir Alex in action during filming. All of the youth team players were aware they were part of an ad but you could see they were affected by his presence, the intensity and quality improved the instant he came on set. No one was in doubt as to the influence and respect he commands throughout the club.”
Any player over the age of 16 can compete at their local trial for a place on the ultimate training weekend with the Manchester United manager.
March 27th, 2007
Mire esto. Es muy bueno.That’s Spanish for Watch this. It’s very good.
But then, you probably knew that. More than likely in fact if you happen to live on Merseyside.
Footy Boots can reveal that the latest Nike video viral is out and it’s a belter. No performing dogs or breakdancing 14 year olds here (Britain’s got talent my backside), this is true entertainment. Clever, original and entertaining - everything that ITV’s Saturday night schedule isn’t.
The viral shows that while Kopites can’t cheer-on England this summer, they will be fully committed to Liverpool’s number 9. As a camera swoops around the European Capital of Culture, Spanish flags are flying everywhere. Liverpudlians are seen brushing up on their Spanish in evening classes, buying paella pans and snacking on Tapas.
The viral concludes with a bemused looking Torres watching his influence first-hand during a Spanish flavoured kick-about in the park.
An insider said: “During filming Fernando was surprised at how much of an impact he had on his adopted home. The way things are going Liverpool could be a bi-lingual city by the start of the 2008/09 season.”
This clip kicks off a series of virals that will be released over the next few months by Nike showing how athletes, managers and fans are taking their game to the next level.
To watch more video courtesy of Footy Boots all you need to do is click here.
March 27th, 2007
In August 2002, Capital Radio ran a feature on an up and coming player at Everton. Reporter Gary Weaver was stood in the playground of the De Le Salle school in Croxteth on Merseyside raving about an ex pupil and striker by the name of Wayne Rooney.
He was, according to Weaver and a number of past and present Everton players, the most exciting youngster any of them had ever seen.
Less than 2 months later, Rooney went from child prodigy to national superstar when he smashed in ‘that’ goal for Everton against Arsenal at Goodison Park, ending the Londoners 30 match unbeaten run in to the bargain. The goal prompted commentator Clive Tyldesley to say “Remember the name: Wayne Rooney.” Rooney was 5 days short of his 17th birthday.
Spin forward half a decade and Rooney has moved on from national superstar to global brand.
He’s one of the biggest names on Nike’s books (he wears the Total 90 Laser II), received a £5 million advance from publisher Harper Collins for a 5 book deal and he has marketing agreements with Coca Cola, Nokia, Ford and Asda.
And of course, there’s the small matter of his forthcoming nuptials with long term girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin, herself a media favourite in her own right.
In this Nike video, Rooney talks about the sacrifices he’s made for his sport, the level of practice required and how his attitude to training and progressing as a player shaped his career and stellar success.
If you missed out on Joe Cole, you can catch up with the England and Chelsea midfielder here WHAT JOE KNOWS.
March 27th, 2007
Winston Churchill (and when was the last time you saw him quoted on a football web site) once described the country of India as a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
What Joe Knows
If the former British Prime Minister was still with us today he might well use the same analogy when describing the talent that is Joe Cole.
The personification of footballing artistry, flair and invention or a modern day, cosmetic non requirement?
Up until the 2006 World Cup, Cole divided opinion amongst England football fans like no other player since Glenn Hoddle.
But such were his performances on England’s ‘problem’ left side, that nearly all the doubters were silenced. Indeed, his amazing volley against Sweden in the group stages and assist for Steven Gerrard’s goal saw him named as Man of the Match, a feat he repeated in the 2 - 1 win against Switzerland earlier this year - Fabio Capello’s first game in charge of the national team.
Cole shot to prominence in his early teens after a remarkable performance for the England youth team when he scored 7 of the 8 goals they put past Spain. A product of the West Ham youth academy, his exploits since both at club and international level have all been well documented.
However, if you thought you knew all about Joe Cole, then think again.
Footy Boots gets right under the skin of the 26 year old as he talks about growing up, his early teams and his desire to succeed. And there’s invaluable advice to young players who are hoping to follow in Cole’s imperious foot steps.
Joe Cole wears the Nike Tiempo II football boot.
March 27th, 2007
And so, at the end of a hectic 6 weeks of filming, we come to the end of our series of Perry Groves video football boot tests.
Such have been his performances in front of the camera, Footy Boots has fielded calls from the likes of Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese all clammering to sign Perry up for new projects. Indeed, we were even contacted by the ‘In and Out’ film company from California but after studying a few examples of their work (37 DVD’s to be honest) we eventually had to turn them down.
Luckily for us, Perry has stayed loyal to his first love, rebuffed the offers from tinsel town and continued on his quest to report back to the Footy Boot aficionados.
Since we started, Perry has tried out the Umbro SX Valor, SprintFit, Tiempo Legend II, V1.08, and Nomis Glove.
And today, in our final film, the former Arsenal legend takes a look at the Adidas adiPURE.
Since Perry made his report, Adidas have brought out a special version of the boot for Euro 2008.
You can see these below and check out Perry’s video of the original here.
Make sure you keep an eye on the Footy Boot video section for a brand new series of films coming up soon.
March 27th, 2007
New Nike video - Take It To The Next Level.
If you’re planning to watch the Champions League semi final, 2nd leg between Manchester United and Barcelona, and why wouldn’t you be, make sure you’re in your chair or on your bar stool a few minutes before kick off.
Whilst the pre match chat is normally an ideal opportunity for a cuppa or trip to the bar, at Footy Boots we will definitely stayed glued to the screen to watch the airing of a brand new Nike commercial, directed by none other than Guy ‘Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels’ Ritchie.
Entitled, ‘Take It To The Next Level’ , the ad charts the progression of a young football player from his beginnings in non-league football through to competing at the highest level for his country.
Some of the world’s best football players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Zlatan Ibrahimovich, Marco Materazzi and Rafael Marquez, feature in the all-action two-minute commercial which unfolds from the player’s first-hand perspective - the viewer is the player and is in the middle of all the action - on and off the pitch in all its glory.
The ad certainly hit the mark as far as Rooney was concerned. Asked for his advice to any budding young player he said “I think the advice I’d give to them is, as in any walk of life and in any sport, the main thing you have to do is work hard. If you work hard, practice everyday and make sure you are determined! I think with those three things you can then set yourself a good platform to go on and do well.”
And Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas said the journey portrayed by the player in the commercial was very similar to his experiences as a youngster at Arsenal. “For me all went very quickly and it’s the truth that it was an incredible experience, because I was playing as a substitute and here and there trained with the first team with players like Henry, Pires, Bergkamp. All these players who make you grow. It was just an incredible experience for me.”
Nike describe the commercial as follows.
To get to the next level in football, you need a fine-tuned combination of skill, physical fitness, mental toughness, emotional control, the best products and a bit of luck. This journey is the ultimate roller-coaster ride - it is not quick, pretty or easy and there are plenty of surprises along the way. You see what it takes to get discovered - what it takes to keep improving. You live the ups and downs, the glory and the sacrifice, the fun and insanity a modern footballer experiences on his journey up the ranks of the game.
The viewer quickly finds out that it is essential to adapt to every new situation technically, physically and mentally. The progression sees you meet constant challenges, work as part of a team, show ultimate commitment to training, be the victim of bad fouls, celebrate wins, be under pressure to deliver at critical match-deciding moments be humbled by other star players. The journey has some obvious advantages - glamorous evenings out with your beautiful girlfriend and adoring fans shouting your name and clambering for your autograph.
The story starts when you are spotted by Arsene Wenger at a non-league youth fixture after scoring the winning free-kick. You no longer hear about Arsenal’s results on the television - you are there - playing for the team - using the Player’s entrance. Cesc Fabregas kisses you in one match (a bit worrying) and screams at you in the next match (OK, that’s better).
You absorb the energy and emotion from passionate screaming fans who pack football stadiums when you play in the Manchester United v Arsenal clash in the English FA Premier League and you face teams such as Inter Milan and FC Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League.
You see first-hand the power of Wayne Rooney’s kick, the accuracy of Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s shot, Cristiano Ronaldo’s dazzling skills and incredible pace and Marco Materazzi’s man-marking. Ronaldinho smiles when he shakes your hand during the line-up at Camp Nou, but his spectacular dribble leaves you far from smiling.
The journey culminates in a dramatic Final between Holland and Portugal (right, I’m Dutch - no problem, I can do rock music and pretty girls). You are up against Cristiano Ronaldo once again. Your team-mates Ruud Van Nistlerooy and Wesley Schneijder play the ball into you and urge you to ‘Take It To The Next Level’ - even on this stage.
Director Guy Ritchie was obviously in his element during the shoot. He said “This is the largest advert I have filmed. Usually I do one commercial a year. Essentially this is like shooting a feature film on this one. So we spent a week in Barcelona, a couple of days up in Manchester. I think it’s 9 days overall which is long for a commercial.
“The footballers we’ve been working with were very nice fellas. Cristiano Ronaldo was a particularly nice chap. Also Ruud Van Nistelroy played football with my son for 20 minutes which made him very happy. They’ve all been very, very accommodating.”
Thanks to Nike, Footy Boots has obtained a sneak preview of the commercial so ahead of the debut showing, you can catch a glimpse right here.
March 27th, 2007
The Footy Boots video boot reports have certainly caused a stir since Perry Groves launched his investigations two weeks ago.
Ron from Scotland contacted us to say “Congrats on getting Perry Groves to work for Footy Boots - he’s a legend.” John and Barry emailed from an army base overseas to say simply “we love Perry” whilst Lucio from London wrote “it doesn’t matter what Perry Groves wears on his feet - the man is a genius.” Mind you, that email was written in crayon.
This week, after putting the Umbro SX Valor and Nomis Glove through their paces, Perry switches his attention to the Reebok SprintFit.
As it happens, these football boots were in the news recently as Barcelona striker Thierry Henry was due to wear the brand new version of the Reebok SprintFit Pro for the first time in last weekend’s 0 - 0 draw with Espanyol. Due to a fever, Henry didn’t feature, but they just might get a run out this evening against Manchester United in the Champions League semi final.
Henry said ““The Sprintfit football boot just keeps on getting better and better. What I love about this football boot is it allows me to play my natural game, it’s like an extension of me.”
As for the manufacturer, they say that the football boot delivers an unbeatably snug fit thanks to Reebok’s Kinetic Fit System technology. An exquisitely soft K-Skin leather upper aids both flexibility and ventilation, creating a comfortable environment for the foot during play.
So Henry likes them as do Reebok. But importantly, what did Perry make of them? Find out just how highly the former Arsenal player rated them right here.
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