Post by: JCFC on Sat 27 Oct 2018 06:20
The Friday Regionalliga matches were out of range, so it was one step down to Oberliga level for
Friday 26th October 2018
Hessenliga
FC 1931 Eddersheim 1 v 2 SV Bad Vilbel
Adrian Kokott (Limburgerhof); Julian Kuhn, Jonas Isulay
There was time for a visit to the pleasant clubhouse before heading out in search of an evening meal - Bratwurst once again: what a pity that the Germans have not discovered decent British cuisine such as pie and peas or ... erm ... the Hamburger.
Herr Kokott is tall, slim and fairly young-looking, despite having borrowed Desperate Dan's razor. He rapidly collected Brownie points - long sleeves and a handkerchief put him well in credit. This was slightly eroded when a couple of early attack-stopping fouls - one each way - drew free-kicks, but not the word of warning that would have been the minimum in the NCEFL and above.Each keeper had one decent save to make, Herr Kuhn raced down his line to stop a minor spat developing, but towards half-time play became scrappy, with numerous free-kicks. Eddersheim had two of these in attacking positions, the first being headed wide, the second fired just over.
The first half had been fairly even, but Eddersheim had a definite territorial advantage in the second period, which was unfortunate for JCFC, whose vantage point was towards the other end.Herr Kokott reappeared in short sleeves. What he lost in Brownie points, he gained in freedom of his arms and he was soon able to reach for his yellow card for the home number 8, another following on the hour for the Eddersheim number 5, accompanied by a gesture of illicit use of the arm.Eddersheim took the lead soon afterwards. There was a yellow for a Bad Vilbel defender, but within minutes his side had launched a rare attack, culminating in an excellent finish on the turn. The winner came on 78 minutes in splendid style, a cross beyond the far post being touched back first time for a colleague to bury it. Eddersheim had one late chance, but put it wide.
Herr Kokott moved well, though not an obvious fan of working wide and controlled the match effectively in the expected German way - that is to say without seeming to lead the game. A steady, unspectacular performance, which did the job well enough.
On the 20 minute walk back to the station, Eddersheim seemed to be taking its role as a dormitory town seriously - not that there had been much sign of life two hours earlier.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 28 Oct 2018 09:05
Saturday 27th October 2018
3. Liga
SV Wehen-Wiesbaden 0 v 0 FSV Zwickau
Eric Müller (Bremen); Lukas Benen, Simon Rott.
Wehen was originally a club from a small township in the Taunus, but rose through the ranks. In 2007 their ground was unsuitable for a short-lived promotion to the Zweite Bundesliga, so they moved to a new stadium in the nearby city of Wiesbaden, amending their name accordingly. Despite creating a new (rather pedestrian) anthem, the crowds -on this occasion 1830 - leave most of the stadium unoccupied. Zwickau, meanwhile - a town in many areas as grey as the team's shirts - have been upwardly mobile. The town is known for being the birthplace of Robert Schumann ... and the Trabant.
Herr Müller was promoted to the 3.Liga list in 2016 as part of a job lot of three unrelated Müllers, one of whom has this year been promoted to the Zweite Bundesliga list. Referees on the third and second division lists act as assistants on the league above as well as refereeing in divisions below, so they normally receive just eight games per season at their official level, nine if they are lucky. This was Herr Müller's third of the season - and oddly his second at Wiesbaden.
The officials were in long-sleeved yellow shirts, Herr Müller pushing his above the elbow, but retaining the black trim. He is quite tall, fair-haired and broad-shouldered and was to have a straightforward first period: a warning for a tug, a correct yellow for a late slide and a quiet word for something said when a team-mate was penalised - all to Zwickau players. Even so, the home captain, from his viewpoint as goalkeeper, wanted a word at the break.
Wehen came close soon after the restart, courtesy of a deflection which looped over the keeper, but safely out for a corner. It was apparent that Zwickau were content with what they had and their foul count increased, with three more yellows along the way. On 86 minutes one of the fouls was in the penalty area. There was jubilation in the home camp, but to a neutral it was no surprise when it was saved. Herr Müller had done a decent job of chivvying players along, but might possibly have added a couple more minutes at the end.
Herr Müller's sprinting is effective rather than elegant -he has to wind himself up to get going - but he was always on the spot, with use of reverse gear to adjust position. His lateral movement, by no means a given in Germany, was particularly impressive. His decisions appeared accurate and his general demeanour less detached than in many of his peers, in a way that pleased JCFC, but may not be what his lords and masters are expecting.
Two steps down again this afternoon!
PS: Two further things added to JCFC's confusion about regulations.
The first was when a trainer was warming up 6 subs in the corner.
The second when a player from each side collided in the goal area and were both required to leave the pitch after treatment.
I shall have to do some swotting!
Post by: JCFC on Sun 28 Oct 2018 20:48
Sunday 28th October 2018
Hessenliga
SpVgg 03 Neu-Isenburg 1 v 5 SG Barockstadt Fulda-Lehnerz
Sebastian Betz (Bad Soden); Martin Maienschein, Steffen Krah.
Until this Summer the visitors were known as TSV Lehnerz, a suburb of that splendid hymn-tune Fulda, but took over the first team of Borussia Fulda, who promptly resigned from the league, and they adopted the new name.
The features of the cheery referee had a strangely familiar look: had he been a little shorter and a shade less blond, JCFC would have sworn that he was Lee Hible's long-lost German cousin. (Do the Germans have a word for Doppelgänger?) As the match was played in light drizzle, we even had the Hible sweep of the rain from his hair. In the course of the match he had plenty of by-play with AR2, an older chap, with a lived-in look, whose signalling of offsides was desultory, but accurate. AR1 was a bright and eager-looking young man with prominent ears.
The match got off to a lively start, Herr Betz being grabbed by the shoulder by the home number 17 as his side were awarded a free-kick. Perhaps he thought it had been inside the penalty area. In the end it mattered not a jot as the free-kick was fired home. For Neu-Isenburg, that was as good as it was to get as the visitors took control. The home number 17 received a "no more" indication for a tug back before Lehnerz equalised on 28 minutes.A home defender received a yellow card for an attack-stopping trip before half-time.
A Neu-Isenburg defender made a hash of a header back to his keeper, but the attacker put the ball wide. Herr Maienschein flagged for a foul on 62 minutes, Herr Betz acquainting a second home man with his yellow card.The home keeper made a desperate lunge to turn the ball away, but within 30 seconds the visitors had gone ahead - though a small posse of home players had questions they wanted answered. Neu-Isenburg had a decent spell, during which two yellow cards went to the visitors, but the last five minutes brought Lehnerz three more goals, the announcer sounding more lugubrious with each one.
There was much to like about Herr Betz's manner and amiable relaxed approach, though the waving of a card from a distance is not something that appeals. Even less so the interminable blasts of the whistle for the most minor things. The moment of controversy about the visitors' second goal apart, Herr Betz made refereeing look quite easy: why make it sound difficult?
Post by: bmb on Sun 28 Oct 2018 21:39
Yellow was again the officials' colour scheme at
Disgraceful conduct from all concerned...
Post by: JCFC on Tue 30 Oct 2018 09:00
Monday 29th October 2018
2. Bundesliga
VfL Bochum 1848 3 v 3 SSV Jahn Regensburg
Martin Petersen (Stuttgart); Christian Gittelmann, Katrina Rafalski.
The switch to Winter Time on Sunday had encouraged the weather gods to switch to Winter temperatures. Arriving far too early, having overestimated the time the trip would take, JCFC was faced with a wait of 90 minutes before kick-off. Fortunately he was well provided with reading matter: a book and the morning paper; unfortunately it was too cold to take hands out of pockets to hold them. Herr Petersen and Frau Rafalski plodded their separate ways through their warm-up. Herr Gittelmann branched out at right angles with a long series of marvellous footwork, leaps and gyrations. If the producers of Strictly Come Dancing were watching, he would be a shoo-in for the next series.
It was the visitors who opened the scoring on ten minutes, a move from a corner ending with a header. Thereafter Bochum did the bulk of the attacking, without really testing the keeper - until added time when they equalised with a powerful drive.
The seating plan had not indicated that the gangway next to JCFC's seat would see regular comings and goings of security men. So it was that JCFC was unable to say how on 54 minutes, with the Regensburg keeper about to take a free-kick, the next thing seen was a Bochum attacker 30 metres out on the point of rolling the ball into an empty net. The keeper had plenty to say when the goal was awarded, with a few colleagues in support - but there was no general sense of outrage. There was no doubt about Bochum's third, ten minutes later, as the visiting right back gave away possession, leaving the opposing winger to square the ball for another simple finish. Regensburg had a regulation penalty saved on 68minutes, but converted a second -slightly dubious-looking from a distance - to make it 3-2 with a quarter of an hour to go. Bochum hung on until the 93rd minute, when Regensburg scored to earn a point.
Herr Petersen does not seem to be the most charismatic of officials, but refereed in a generally sensible manner, not looking for offences where none existed and keeping things moving well - even helping out with the checks at a late triple substitution. There were two clear-cut cautions to Regensburg, one in each half. A solid, unspectacular evening's work.
JCFC is not a fan of 20.30 kick-off, with 22.20 finishes, but was back in Gelsenkirchen to start thawing out before midnight, wishing that he had stayed in and watched the Regionalliga on TV. There may be a similar decision tonight - live in Wuppertal or a cup tie on TV.
Post by: JCFC on Tue 30 Oct 2018 15:02
Post by: JCFC on Wed 31 Oct 2018 13:10
Tuesday 30th October 2018
Regionalliga West
Wuppertaler SV 2 v 3 Fortuna Düsseldorf
Alexander Schuh (Mönchengladbach); Torsten Schwerdtfeger, Cedric Gottschalk
The officials took to the field in yellow, and with black cuffs and collar looked very smart - sorry bmb! Herr Schuh is 27 and is fair-haired and slightly built. So too AR1 and a hand-changer to boot. AR2 was older, heavier, with an awkward gait and total commitment to his right hand.
From the off there were numerous bumps and spills -let's put that down to the conditions. Professional U-23 sides are normally pretty disciplined, but Fortuna's was well practised in the art of making the most of any contact to win free-kicks, as Herr Schuh in time came to realise.. The rain grew even more intense and on the quarter hour those spectators standing in the open were invited into the stand. Most took advantage, but the ultras and their **** choirmaster bravely stayed put throughout. Wuppertal did most of the attacking, but on 36 minutes, non-existent marking allowed Fortuna to take the lead. There were yellow cards within a minute for the home full-backs, the second leading to a free-kick at the edge of the area, which sailed into the net from a narrow angle. A splendid shot in stoppage time gave Fortuna their third.
Bmb must have been on the phone as the officials returned in black. Wuppertal soon had a handball appeal waved away - Herr Schuh reasonably deciding that the ricochet from foot to hand was inadvertent. On 55 minutes Herr Gottschalk raised his flag for offside; a second later Herr Schuh awarded a penalty. Herr Gottschalk briefly lowered his flag but thought better of it. Fortuna players drew the referee's attention and the decision was changed. Now it was Wuppertal's turn to protest. As all retreated for the offside free-kick, Herr Schuh went and spoke to his assistant, returning to reaward the penalty, duly converted by Wuppertal. A challenge by the home number 10 sent an opponent through the air. It looked a clear yellow, but he went through a whole rigmarole of praying gestures before it could be administered - he was of Italian stock after all. Good interplay and a fine shot led to Wuppertal's second on 71 minutes. A foul by the Fortuna number 12 brought a reaction from his opponent and a lecture for both. Wuppertal had two clear chances, putting the first wide and the second over the bar. The third was stopped by a foul, leading to some milling and a red card for the Fortuna 4. Wuppertal pressed hard, one attack producing four blocks in the goalmouth, but could not find the equaliser.
It had been the least straightforward of the five matches watched. Herr Schuh had moved well,used his whistle sensibly and not done too badly, but without quite convincing in terms of authority.
Happily the rain had finally relented and an uncomfortably brisk walk to the station enabled JCFC to catch the train with seconds to spare.
NB The **** replaces a word indicating that the young man was without a shirt. Or 'baht top as they don't say on Ilkley Moor.
Post by: bmb on Thu 01 Nov 2018 15:31
The officials took to the field in yellow, and with black cuffs and collar looked very smart - sorry bmb!
Naughty step for you... The only thing yellow looks is vile!
Bmb must have been on the phone as the officials returned in black.
You know it
Post by: JCFC on Sat 24 Nov 2018 21:44
Friday 23rd November 2018
2. Bundesliga
SpVgg Greuther Fürth 3 v 2 1.FC Magdeburg
Markus Schmidt (Stuttgart); Manuel Bergmann, Fabian Maibaum.
Having hoped to see an up and coming young referee in charge, I was slightly disappointed when Herr Schmidt was appointed. True, he did once merit that description, when he was the youngest referee in the top leagues, but that was two decades or so ago. He was promoted to the 1. Bundesliga in 2003 and is currently the longest serving member of that list, without ever hitting the heights, averaging just over ten matches a season, only partly explained by an injury. From photos I had formed the impression that he was fairly small, but in reality he is pretty tall and thin. (A similar surprise had occurred many years ago when Harry New made a rare appearance at Leeds Road and was much taller than he appeared on television.)
Greuther Fürth is an established club at this level and have had a good first half of the season, while newly-promoted Magdeburg are in danger of speedy relegation.
Herr Maibaum was quickly in action with a flag for a foul within the first minute; not to be outdone, Herr Bergmann followed just 30 seconds later. The early stages saw some nice imaginative touches, but they came to nothing, thanks to good defensive work - and occasional not so nice touches. Midway through the half, however, Magdeburg twice came close within seconds, first an attacker was within inches of getting his foot to a cross and next a defender was back in time to clear a ball rolling goalwards. It was against the run of the play when a rapid attack saw the home side go ahead on the half hour, but they then enjoyed a good spell. The Magdeburg number 11 was called for an exchange of views when showing dissent but seemed to come out on top, having, if not the last word, definitely the last flouncing gestures. The Fürth winger lofted the ball over the onrushing keeper, but saw it slip just off target. It was the opponents' tricky winger whose run and cross set up the equaliser on 39 minutes.The home number 15 received a yellow card before the break for hauling down an opponent.
Magdeburg went ahead on 48 minutes with an excellent run and finish. Extended holding by the Magdeburg number 6 drew a free-kick but not the expected card. On 71 minutes a Magdeburg attacker had run clear of the defence when he went down, seemingly clipped from behind. Herr Schmidt raced to the spot to show a yellow to the home number 38. If this was intended to settle matters, it did not succeed both sides, for different reasons, being horrified at the verdict. Greuther Fürth were then denied by a good save and had penalty appeals for handball waved away. A leaping save by the home keeper turned the ball for a corner; the home number 17 was cautioned for dissent towards Herr Maibaum. On 87 minutes Fürth won a free kick a few yards short of the penalty area. Before the kick was taken Herr Schmidt insisted that an attacker standing on the 6 yard line come back to an onside position - and the kick was fired home for the equaliser.There followed gripping last few minutes, with both sides looking for a winner. Dissent earned the home number 29 a yellow card. The home keeper tipped a shot over the bar, while at the other end a header hit the side netting. In added time a corner. was headed home to give Fürth a winner they scarcely deserved. Substitutes and staff.raced across the pitch to the opposite corner to celebrate. Herr Schmidt headed towards the centre, taking no action ... And after some seconds blew the final whistle. The Magdeburg number 6 was understandably not impressed with this and received a yellow card as I left in search of sustenance.
For most of the game it had.not offered many problems and Herr Schmidt had not been greatly exercised. His manner was relaxed, but he managed to be there or thereabouts throughout. His style, though, was not totally convincing in either consistency or authority and the end of the match left much to be desired - common sense or copping out?
Post by: JCFC on Sun 25 Nov 2018 21:33
The day's destination was Eichsttät, a small town with an important ecclesiastical history and a present-day Catholic University, leading to the sight of a man of a certain age experiencing the difficulty of climbing over the seats in the stand while wearing a cassock. It has a handsome centre and would make a good stop for a stroll and a coffee - provided that you bore in mind the lugubrious PA announcer's claim that the local traffic wardens are always glad to treat visitors to a parking ticket - of the penalty variety.
And so, not before time, to the game
Saturday 24th November 2018
Regionalliga Bayern
VfB Eichstätt 0 v 3 FV Illertissen
Patrick Hanslbauer (Zirndorf); Philipp Eckerlein, Christoph Stühler.
The home side has made is way up through the league and a great point was made of the fact that they currently top the league - dizzy heights indeed. With Illertissen in the lower half of the table, a home win seemed assured.
AR2 was a hand-changer, AR1 was not..Eichstätt forced a good save from the keeper on 10 minutes, but it was the visitors who took the lead direct from a free-kick on 17 minutes and put another chance just wide shortly afterwards.A couple of visiting players were spoken to - number 29 for two fouls, number 23 for childishly delaying a throw. Midway through the half an Eichstätt player took a free-kick, aiming at an opponent who had not retreated far enough. Herr Hanslbauer was luckily able to indicate a rolling ball. On 27 minutes he called an excellent advantage, returning to caution the Illertissen number 18 for the very late challenge. Two minutes later the home keeper came out to collect a high ball, but an attacker beat him to it to double the lead. They came close to a third, hitting the post, before their number 30 was cautioned for a stray arm. Eichstätt did manage a late chance, but had looked poor in the first half.
They emerged for the second half with the air of a side on the receiving end of a hair-dryer, and their number 4 was cautioned for a high foot. In attacking, however, they left gaping holes at the back and Illertissen's third came all too easily. In a repeat of the first caution, it was the home number 33 who saw yellow after advantage had been played. The visiting keeper had one decent save to make, but the home side's efforts subsided. Three further yellows were shown, one to the visitors,two to Eichstätt..The teams have a match this coming weekend, but then the Winter pause means that they then have to wait until March.
For me, Herr Hanslbauer - another operating below his pay grade, having been promoted to the 3rd Division for this season - put in an impressive afternoon's work, receiving not only handshakes but several pats on the back from the losing side. His triage had been very accurate, with sensibly restrained use of the whistle and open body-language. His movement was good and he used his reverse gear to good effect. It would be nice to think that at 28 he might move higher still - but that is probably the kiss of death.7 yellows is possibly quit e a lot by English standards, but here represented a referee doing his job accurately and well... and "you ain't seen nothing yet!" ...
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 26 Nov 2018 22:56
Here we are dangling, waiting for the next episode.
Post by: JCFC on Tue 27 Nov 2018 20:05
"... and "you ain't seen nothing yet!" ..."
Here we are dangling, waiting for the next episode.
Sorry to leave you in that precarious position, Microscopist, though when you say "we", ah hae ma doots. Be that as it may, you may well find, to adapt the old adage, that it is better to dangle hopefully than to be let down with a bump.
When a new stadium was opened in Mainz a few years ago, the old ground was not sold for development and is still used by the Under-23 side, which is where I went for
Sunday 25th November 2018
Regionalliga Südwest
1. FSV Mainz 05 ll 2 v 2 TSG Balingen
Dennis Meinhardt (Flieden); Patrick Werner, Jeffrey Euchler
The officials did not look particularly prepossessing as they warmed up, but once into their blue tops with long sleeves and black cuffs the assistants appeared very smart - and their subsequent performance, complete with slick hand-switching, was pretty impressive, particularly in the case of AR1 - though some 20 hours had passed before I twigged that I had seen him referee in the Hessenliga as recently as May. The referee's short sleeves did nothing to offset a slightly insipid facial appearance, which made him look a decade older than he actually is.
The match began with a number of unnecessarily long and loud blasts, and though Herr Meinhardt did manage to introduce a few crotchets and quavers, the semi-breve remained the default note, with occasional blow-until-you-can't-breves - sometimes appropriately. Unfortunately we did not have much chance to view his man-management skills, the first notable foul, in the 12th minute, being a definite yellow card offence, accepted as such by the offender, the visiting number 2. A deliberate trip with no attempt to play the ball saw the home number 20 follow him onto the crime sheet on the quarter hour. He did speak to the home number 17 for trying to delay a free-kick. It was not proving a quality match, being low on skill and high on both clumsy challenges and petulant reactions. Balingen had a distinct territorial advantage, but it was Mainz who came close midway through the half, a shot from a corner being cleared off the line by the defender on the far post. The Balingen number 3 was the next to see yellow, "legging-up" the opponent who had got away from him. On 27 minutes the Mainz number 17 ignored his earlier warning and blocked the taking of a free-kick, Balingen number 30 reacting with a barge. Herr Meinhardt issued cards number four and five, but not in a constructive way - more cooling chat as well would have been better. The Mainz coach was not a happy fellow by this point and AR1 had to go and calm him. Eventually Balingen played the free-kick forward and took the lead. The only other effort of note in the half was an overhead kick by Balingen that went just wide.
Mainz equalised early in the second half, then yellow number six went to their number 15. There was a great chance for the Balingen number 7, but he put his shot wide. A spat between the home number 16 and the Balingen number 18 was quickly nipped in the bud by AR1 and this time no cards were flashed. Just after the hour a Balingen player lay in the penalty area as a Mainz attack was cleared, AR1 raised a flag, thought about taking it down, but kept it up - proving a distraction to me as the ball was in the Mainz half by now as the whistle was blown. The next minute was curious as Herr Meinhardt jogged gently back to see to the injured player, ignoring his assistant, ultimately taking out a yellow card and walking back to the Mainz half, where it was shown to the home number 20 - to his apparent surprise - so the seventh yellow card was followed by a red. Balingen forced a good save from the Mainz goalkeeper, Mainz number 16 put a good chance wide, Balingen hit the post and yellow number 8 went to the Mainz number 33. The Mainz left-back was injured and had to be helped off the field, temporarily leaving his side with nine men. This was the cue for a Balingen foghorn of a certain age to set up a chant of "TSG" - strangled in infancy as Mainz ran clear within seconds to take the lead. EVEN a miserable old blighter like me was moved to laugh out loud. Strangely none of the Balingen contingent seemed to find things quite so amusing. Two yellows were flashed a minute later, the Mainz 16 tuging at a shirt, the Balingen number 6 responding with his elbow to the stomach. The Mainz keeper made a couple of good saves. On 84 minutes it was the turn of an infant to instigate a chant of "FSV" with similar unwanted results as Balingen headed an equaliser from a corner. Yellow number eleven went to the Mainz number 14 before Mainz were wide with a great chance in what turned out to be the last kick of the match. Balingen players gave the usual handshakes to the officials, Mainz headed straight down the tunnel.
Normally one would expect a match with 11 yellows and 1 red to have provided the sort of entertainment afforded by gladiators of old, but this was just an annoyingly petty affair. Herr Meinhardt had little real hope of imposing discipline on recalcitrant players, but though the yellow cards were justified, the manner of their delivery did little to help matters.
And so to Saarbrücken for the night (and a delicious ragout of goose leg in wine with noodles.) The plan was to attend the Regionalliga match on Monday evening - or night, with a 20.15 kick-off - but with rain threatened, another decent meal in prospect and the match live on TV, nobody with any sense would make the trip.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 29 Nov 2018 13:35
Monday 26th November 2018
Regionalliga Südwest
FC 08 Homburg 4 v 0 VfR 08 Wormatia Worms
Tobias Fritsch (Frankfurt); Sascha Kief, Joshua Zanke.
Again, a 3rd Division official was parachuted in. Given that the oldest male referee on that list is 32 (the two females are older) it was surprising to see a 40 year old emerge to lead the warm-up. He had a strong build and appearance, with jutting jaw and protruding posterior, his fair hair fighting a losing battle against the expansionist inroads of his forehead. He is, in fact, 28. At the toss he seemed to possess a very cheerful disposition.
The two teams lay immediately below the two in the previous match in the fair-play table - very close to the bottom - so possible mayhem might have been expected. Homburg went ahead in the second minute when a tame effort appeared to pass through the Worms keeper, who did, however, save a much more dangerous one soon afterwards. A series of ricochets on 17 minutes left a homburg attacker with a great opening, but he blasted over from close in. Worms, not unusually towards the lower end of the league table, came back, but they too lifted their best chance over the bar, before having a free-kick fisted away and putting a header wide. The Homburg boss was rather excitable and Herr Fritsch had a firm word with him on 33 minutes - the only disciplinary sanction the half required.
Again the half began with a Homburg goal - this time from a rather more emphatic header. The home keeper made a couple of good saves but on 72 minutes a barge in the back gave Homburg a penalty: the fouled player finished some distance outside the area, but Herr Fritsch's decision was instant and not disputed. The penalty made it 3-0 and another, conceded by the keeper on 84 minute, led to the fourth goal of a game which had not been as one-sided as the score suggests.
Herr Fritsch is not the most elegant of movers and much of his work was done on the walk or at a gentle trot, but on the four or five occasiobns when a sprint was called for, he proved more than equal to the task. His manner was relaxed - in a game that suited that approach - and the match was enjoyable. This is his third season in the 3rd Division, which can often be make or break time. In England there is little doubt that he would be upwardly mobile - assuming that he can cope with sterner tests - but German requirements are rather different, it seems, so we will have to wait to see how he fares.
The bus up towards the ground had stopped running by the time the match finished, but the walk down through the dark streets and across the centre to the station was accomplished more easily than feared, so I was back in Saarbrücken by 23.15.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 09 Mar 2019 08:32
Friday 8th March 2019
Bayernliga Nord
SC Eltersdorf 1 v 1 FSV Erlangen Bruck
Andreas Dinger (Biscofsgrün); Jan Dirrigl, Michael Bäumel.
Pouring rain on the walk from station to ground did not improve matters, but the clubhouse saved the day with Schnitzel, chips and salad. The decent programme was free. This was very much a local derby and drew a respectable (for the fifth tier) crowd of 350. Herr Dinger is approaching oldie status, being 30, the two assistants (both accomplished hand switchers) being 20 and 21. All three looked immaculate in their primrose shirts with black collar and cuffs.
The first quarter was spent almost wholly in the Bruck half - so much so that the home keeper was often mooching around on the edge of the centre circle - but it was not until midway through the half that Eltersdorf took the lead. There followed a couple of yellow cards for the visitors. Eltersdorf continued to create and miss chances, and were fortunate that a clear break by the visitors seconds before the interval came to nothing.
Bruck offered rather more in the second half, equalising on the hour when they lifted the ball over the keeper. The game became very stop-start, with the home team picking up two yellows this time. Bruck came close to a winner on 88 minutes, the home keeper diving full length to touch the ball away. As added time began a clash produced a minor flurry, quickly stopped by Herr Dinger, who consulted his assistant before showing yellow to a player from each side.
For much of the game Herr Dinger's movement was not greatly tested, but when it was, he was not found wanting. One throw in the first half saw neither referee nor assistant keen to make the decision, but otherwise his triage was very good. He did whistle unduly long and hard for some mundane offences, but Germans seem to like that. His carding technique involved flashing the card at a player some distance away, but again, that seems to be the custom. He did maintain good control and used his smile well to maintain pleasant relations with the players.
The match having begun at a civilised 19.00, I was back in Bamberg before 22.00.
Post by: bmb on Sat 09 Mar 2019 13:36
All three looked immaculate in their primrose shirts with black collar and cuffs.
Primrose!
I'll leave a cushion for you on the naughty step!
Post by: Microscopist on Sat 09 Mar 2019 21:19
A cushion? That seems a bit soft.All three looked immaculate in their primrose shirts with black collar and cuffs.
Primrose!
Post by: JCFC on Sun 10 Mar 2019 08:04
Saturday 9th March 2019
Bayernliga Nord
SC Bayern Hof 5 v 0 TSV Abtswind
Florian Fleischmann (Burglengenfeld); Dominik Götz, Sebastian Mauer.
Strangely for a club with quite a tradition the stadium at Hof does not have floodlights, so the kick-off was at 14.00. This caused problems for a load of visiting spectators whose coach must have arrived late. As a result they missed the first goal, the home 27 breaking clear after 5 minutes and beating the keeper rather too easily. They were able to take their seats just in time for goal number two, three minutes later when Hof hit the bar with a header and tucked away the rebound. For the next half hour there was little to excite us - just a couple of routine yellow cards for Hof, the first being delivered with the referee's back to the recipient. On 38 minutes an awful defensive header fell to an unmarked Abtswind player in front of goal, only for him to place it wide. Another good chance for the visitors just before the break ended with a comfortable take for the keeper.
Hof worked a good opening after the restart, but the shot was wayward. Goal number three soon followed, however, again from a rebound, this time from a shot hitting the post. The Abtswind keeper made a brave block soon afterwards as his defenders took leave of absence. Hof were perhaps fortunate on the hour to be awarded their fourth - the striker having barged the defender in the back to win possession before scoring. A yellow shown to the Abtswind number 24 produced a major tantrum and the ball was kicked away, but no further action followed. There was one further yellow per side before Hof scored their late fifth with the best move of the game.
This time the officials wore back, with only AR1 going for long sleeves. Whereas Herr Dinger on the previous evening had looked younger than his 30 years, Herr Fleischmann looked older than his 32, partly through his forward-leaning lope. He too seemed to view the whistle as a test of his lung capacity and his carding technique was again perfunctory. He handled the match efficiently, though without the bonhomie seen the previous evening. He was, though, well received at the end
Of the two referees, Herr Dinger would be my preferred choice for promotion to the Regionalliga: sensible punters will therefore put their money on Herr Fleischmann!
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 10 Mar 2019 23:47
Quote
Of the two referees, Herr Dinger would be my preferred choice for promotion to the Regionalliga: sensible punters will therefore put their money on Herr Fleischmann!Perhaps suspecting that Herr Fleischmann will make mincemeat of Herr Dinger?
Post by: JCFC on Mon 11 Mar 2019 06:29
Sunday 10th March 2019
Regionalliga Bayern
SpVgg Bayreuth 2 v 0. Bayern München ll
Patrick Hanslbauer (Zirndorf); Andreas Heidt, Christoph Stühler.
The heavy shower that had accompanied my walk from the station relented for the warm-ups. I felt a degree of sympathy for the tubby little old assistant (Dr Heidt turned out to be 34!) who looked to be hoping it would soon be over. Just before the teams emerged there was a torrential squall, leaving enough surface water down the middle of the pitch to produce a degree of spray.
Bayern hit the side netting on 2 minutes but Bayreuth retaliated with a dangerous attack, which caused a man in the row in front to leap to his feet, thereby blocking the view as the home side took the lead. There was an extended warning for the Bayern coach before the restart. The second goal, five minutes later, was a nicely worked affair. On 15 minutes there was a further warning for the Bayern coach, with a clear indication that next time he would be in the stand. Eventually a patch of blue sky appeared, enough to make a pair of Dutchman's trousers and the rain eased. A minor squabble was settled with a warning. On 32 minutes a major scramble in the home goal area ended with a heap of bodies at the foot of the post, the keeper emerging with the ball and a free-kick. The visiting number 13 was fortunate that what looked an attack-stopping foul came just after Herr Hanslbauer had blown for an earlier Munich offence. On 35 minutes Bayreuth's attacker was well clear and rounded the keeper but missed the target. This being Bayreuth, the Dutchman was of the Flying variety, which sailed off, trousers and all, to be replaced by black clouds more suggestive of Götterdämmerung. A sustained spell of Bayern pressure produced one acrobatic save from the home keeper, but no goals.
Sure enough a further.squall made conditions increasingly tricky. There were mistakes aplenty, which always makes for good entertainment. The home keeper denied the visitors once more, this time with his foot. Herr Hanslbauer had done well to keep things going without a card, but on 68 minutes a pull back by the home number 6 could not be allowed to pass. There was a moment of tension on 73 minutes as Bayreuth put the ball out for a corner as an attacker went down looking for a penalty. The defender bent angrily over him and others headed to the scene, but Herr Hanslbauer was there first and things did not escalate.The Dutchman eventually returned and towards the end conditions were almost Idyllic -overhead at least.As Bayreuth tired there.were four further yellows for attack-breaking offences, Herr Hanslbauer being consistent in his line. The visitors kept pressing, coming close several times and the game ended when an excellent chance was not taken. After the usual handshakes from the players the officials were intercepted by the Bayern coach, who detained them for some time, though it ended amicably.
The conditions had helped the home side to upset the odds and had made for a highly enjoyable game.The positive qualities noted in the Autumn were again apparent in Herr Hanslbauer's work.Movement, body language and communication were all first rate and on this occasion he made sensible allowance for the tricky conditions. A fine display from an excellent referee: he would do very well in England, in Germany, who knows?
Post by: Acme Thunderer on Mon 11 Mar 2019 14:13
Post by: JCFC on Mon 11 Mar 2019 19:07
Post by: JCFC on Sat 18 May 2019 06:40
Friday 17th May 2019
Hessenliga
FV Bad Vilbel 1 v 3 FC Eddersheim
Sebastian Betz (Bad Soden); Martin Maienschein, Andreas Böck.
The home club's website offered handy directions from the station, or they would have been handy had the recommended exit not been closed, resulting in a tricky scramble round a high barrier at the end of the platform, a teetering walk along a wall and a death-defying run down the bank to find the promised "path." There was a further barrier at the end of this, so JCFC was forced to make an undignified escape through some bushes. Clearly not a route to be used in the dark for the return journey.
The simplest available option was this reverse of a match seen in the Autumn, Bad Vilbel having won on that occasion. The referee this time had been seen two days later. His appointment for this match prompted mixed feelings: his refereeing had been good on the whole, but the length and strength of his whistling for trivial things had grated more than a little
Hallelujah! A first minute foul drew just a tiny peep. Had something happened on the road to Damascus? The second foul suggested otherwise, as normal service was resumed, but subsequently there was greater variation, in an acceptable manner. The home keeper made two good saves, but had to be replaced after 16 minutes. Eddersheim were on top, Bad Vilbel regularly falling foul of Herr Böck's offside flag, including one occasion when the ball ended in the net. Bad Vilbel ended a great move with a weak shot, while within seconds a splendid Eddersheim shot from nowhere gave the replacement keeper the chance to demonstrate his skill. Eddersheim took the lead on 36 minutes from a free-kick.
Early in the second half a tug on an attacker's arm brought Eddersheim a yellow card for their defender and Bad Vilbel an equaliser from the penalty spot. The visitors went ahead again on the hour and added a third soon afterwards. There were several further chances for the visitors, but the home keeper made a succession of excellent saves.to prevent further scoring.
In the end reservations about Herr Betz had been dispelled. His whistling, though still longer than necessary at times, was more acceptable and his decisions accurate and confidently given. The players were cooperative in a sporting game, fouls being clumsy rather than malicious and Herr Betz judged the situation well. Above all his relations with the players were outstanding, with plenty of laughter and friendly responses. Unusually for Germany, here was a young referee being seen to enjoy himself. JCFC will have no qualms about attending any of Herr Betz's matches in the future. The two assistants were hand-changers, though Herr Böck had a curious way of indicating a corner with his left hand.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 19 May 2019 06:15
Saturday 18th May 2019
Regionalliga Süd-West
TSV Eintracht 1920 Stadtallendorf 4 v 1 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim ll
Timo Lämmle (Waiblingen); Philipp Schlegel, Michael Hieber
With the home side already doomed to relegation and the visitors comfortably mid-table, it seemed unlikely that one of the brightest prospects would have been appointed and so, it is to be hoped, it turned out. The referee warmed up initially by jogging from corner flag to corner flag, the assistants along the same touchline from penalty area to penalty area. The two of them soon gave up, Herr Schlegel doing some stretching while Herr Hieber put in some intensive practice at standing still. As things turned out, he would have been better employed practising moving his flag from hand to hand - the excellent Herr Schlegel could have shown him how. Herr Lämmle returned to continue with a series of contortions that even Scott Lambie could not match.
Herr Lämmle fell at the first hurdle, as the teams were not led onto the pitch until four minutes after the scheduled kick-off. Then the blame switched to the home club, with a series of eulogies and presentations to departing players. At least we did not have to contend, as once at Hamm, with a woman who insisted on kissing them all. The start was eventually nine and a half minutes late.
Stadtallendorf surprisingly went ahead after just four minutes. There were some untidy challenges and a spot of minor silliness between the home number 5 and the away 20. Some minutes later the referee had a word with number 5, this time in conjunction with the Hoffenheim number 24. On the half hour the visiting number 26 hauled his opponent to the ground, the free-kick being awarded, but not the merited warning or even caution. Five minutes later Stadtallendorf beat the offside line, but the attack broke down, play switching to the opposite end where Hoffenheim equalised. Rather than celebrate, their coach made his displeasure at the lack of the offside decision known to Herr Schlegel. A body check on 38 minutes finally gained the.Hoffenheim number 26 his yellow card. Herr Lämmle proved to have the quickest of quick draws and the card was out in a flash two minutes later for an over-strong tackle by the home number 9, but it could not be shown until a good half minute later, the angry offender having gone on a curving walkabout with his back to the referee,while two colleagues protested on his behalf.Eventually he was recalled from 30 yards away, still protesting as the card was finally raised. Two minutes later the home 23 was rightly penalised for holding, but screamed his dissent and received a yellow card, while before play restarted Herr Lämmle raced 40 yards across the field, card still in hand, to let the home number 30 have a look at it. At the half-time whistle Herr Lämmle was approached by a couple of irate home players, and did not receive the usual support from his assistants. Herr Schlegel was detained by an apology and handshake from the Hoffenheim coach, while the much closer Herr Hieber apparently could not be bothered.
As they emerged for the second half, it was the turn of a home coach to have a long chat with Herr Schlegel, with a demonstration of some climbing offence. Herr Schlegel, though, seemed throughout to have a very good manner and this conversation was a civilised affair, ending with smiles and pats.
The home keeper was soon stranded but a defender almost on the line got a foot to it and it looped over the bar. The home number 14 made his presence felt with a late challenge on the goalie.The visiting number 18 saw yellow on the hour,, less for his foul than for blocking the free-kick. The home side again took the lead soon afterwards. There was a yellow for the visiting number 23 for a tackle from behind, but a similar offence by the home number 14 two minutes later brought just a free-kick.Stadtallendorf then had two men clear on goal, only to pass to a backtracking defender, but their third goal soon followed. The home number 14 finally received his yellow card, for something away from the play. Stadtallendorf added their fourth in a further rapid switch from defence to attack, before the game fizzled out.
Herr Lämmle did not do too badly on the whole, with decent movement, but did not appear entirely consistent, with a slight loss of authority among the players. His was very much a German style, so he may go on to do well, but would not be a JCFC tip for the top. In English terms a fairly good Level 4, possibly even an average Level 3 performance.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 20 May 2019 10:54
Sunday 19th May 2019
11 Teamsports Verbandsliga Hessen Mitte
FC Germania 06 Schwanheim 0 v 3 SSV Langenaubach 1920
Oleg Karaliov (Büdingen); Olaf Kehne, "Keine Ansetzung"
Two steps down from the Regionalliga, it was a pleasant surprise to see both assistants switching hands appropriately. For the anonymous AR2 that was as good as it was going to get. He was tall, with a scruffy beard, which matched his face perfectly, and though still fairly young was often yards adrift. Herr Karaliov, in his mid twenties, looked as if he was out for a stroll. The most impressive of the three was Herr Kehne, just 17/18, who performed well, with the eagerness of youth. He, at least, had the potential to go further.
The two sides were virtually level in the table, but apparently the visitors have proved something of a bogey side for Germania. On 8 minutes the Langenaubach number 6 held back an attacker by the shirt as he was breaking clear. The free-kick was awarded, but no further sanction. Thereafter the visitors took charge of the game, creating several chances, but it was not until after the half hour that they took the lead through a header. A caution for the home number 21 for a trip was delivered as he sat on the ground outside the field of play, having injured himself in the process.
A yellow was flourished on 49 minutes, a free-kick suggesting that it was to a Germania player. His identity was discovered in due course. This was followed a minute later, for a clear trip by the visiting number 6. Germania won a penalty on 55 minutes, but must have felt that it was not their day when the keeper saved it well. There was confusion in the 70th minute, with AR2 walking fifteen metres onto the pitch, shouting "Oleg," but Oleg was not for listening. Two minutes later the home number 21 caught the heels of his opponent, stopping an attack and receiving his second yellow. It was not long before he had company, his number 17 receiving his second yellow for reasons not immediately clear. Langenaubach took advantage of the two dismissals to score two late goals and secure a deserved win. Play was halted a minute early, to general relief.
Yes, it was a hot day, but there is no excuse for a youngish referee to stroll around fifty or more metres from play. His decisions seemed perhaps a trifle haphazard, though there were few recriminations the end. Watch out, though, for Herr Kehne!
Next week JCFC has a cheap return ticket to Kirkconnel - a case of Kellodonia you're calling, as they might say in Morningside!
Post by: JCFC on Sat 15 Jun 2019 10:58
Christian Dietz (34) has been moved from the Zweitliga list after 7 seasons to become a specialist Bundesliga assistant. His place is taken by Nicolas Winter (27).
Removed from the Drittliga list are Dr Henrik Bramlage (34) after just one season, Markus Wollenweber (29) after two, Henry Müller (30) after three and Tim Julian Skorczyk (30) and Bastian Börner (32) both after four. Places at this level appear to operate on a regional quota basis, the newcomers corresponding to the regions of those leaving. Promoted therefore are Patrick Kessel (29), Max Burda (29), Florian Exner (28), Lukas Benen (26), Patrick Schwengers (24) and Robin Braun (23).
This slightly odd system can lead to some possible unfairness, with promotions and demotions being dependent on the performance of others - not necessarily the worst demoted, nor the best promoted.
Post by: Hadrian on Mon 17 Jun 2019 09:35
Post by: JCFC on Sat 28 Sep 2019 05:05
Friday 27th September 2019
Regionalliga Bayern
FV Illertissen 0 v 3 1.FC Schweinfurt
Florian Badstübner (Windsbach); Florian Wernz, Marco Blösch.
The visitors are an origami club, insolvency problems having left a history of folding, but currently top the table and already appear favourites for promotion to the 3. Bundesliga. 28 year old Herr Badstübner, meanwhile, is in his fourth season on the 2nd Division list, so was two levels below his maximum. What turned out to be the highlight of the evening was the clubhouse Schnitzelburger, messy to eat but very tasty.
The near touchline was some 35 yards from the stand, with a running track and three jump pits between, lending proceedings a detached feel. Schweinfurt looked stronger and quicker from the start, but they did not take the lead until the 29th minute, helped by a slip from a defender. A reckless challenge drew a yellow for a home player on 39 minutes, though the card was produced so quickly that it was not seen until it was being replaced in the referee's pocket.
Illertissen made a better start to the second half, without really threatening, but the visitors added a second just after the hour. There were two further yellows,one per side, in quick succession, JCFC spotting them this time, but without identifying the culprits. A third goal for Schweinfurt came on 71 minutes, but a couple of decent saves prevented further addition.
Given the remote nature of the pitch, Herr Badstübner remained an unobtrusive figure. He was dark haired and taller than his colleagues. His good features are in the form of negatives - he did not see the need for free-kicks every time a player went to ground, nor did he indulge in over-lengthy whistling. His perfunctory carding technique did not appeal, but seems to be the accepted procedure. It may have been the effect of distance, but there seemed to be little communication - free-kick or card with nothing in between. He was normally able to be in position with a gentle jog, but on the two occasions when a sprint was called for, he was not found wanting. Overall his judgement was good and he had a very comfortable evening, so in those terms, it was a job well done. Even the fans found nothing to complain about. JCFC's star quality detector did not register greatly however.
The walk back to the station was pleasant enough, but once there the rain returned. Perhaps it will have got it out of its system for today. We can but hope.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 29 Sep 2019 08:23
Saturday 28th September 2019
Oberliga Baden-Württemberg
FV Ravensburg 2 v 0 SSV Reutlingen
Christian Schiller (Stuttgart, ex Duisburg); Vincent Schöller, Markus Schmidt.
Some ten months ago I mentioned the small ecclesiastical town of Eichstätt as a pleasant place to stop for a coffee and a stroll: in a different way the bustling heart of Ravensburg (of jigsaw puzzle fame) is recommended for a visit and the time passed agreeably.
It was down to the second level of non-Bundesliga competitions. Herr Schipper proved to be a strapping young man, with slightly dopey features. His running was effective rather than a thing of beauty - all pumping elbows and thrutching shoulders. There was a brief hold-up after 5 minutes, there being no spare ball to hand. On 20 minutes a decision was changed from free-kick to corner (correctly) after protests from Reutlingen. The visitors had been looking the livelier side, though neither keeper had been exercised unduly. Midway through the half, however, Ravensburg put in a warmish shot, the keeper went down but merely parried the ball for a Ravensburg attacker to put his side in front. Reutlingen came close just a minute later, but twice a home toe got a touch to avert the danger.
The game continued on its soporific way until the 55th minute, when an appeal for a handball penalty for the visitors was turned down - it looked more giveable than some, but there were few complaints. Ravensburg raced down the other end, hit the far post with a shot, retrieved the ball and doubled their lead. There were four yellows, two per side, but little further excitement. For Herr Schipper a routine performance at the expected level which met with general satisfaction.
A different route back was chosen, the low sun bathing the countryside in a most appealing glow. Today has dawned with bright sunshine so things are looking good - with a kick-off at 13.00.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 29 Sep 2019 21:17
Sunday 29th September 2019
Oberliga Bayern Süd
TSV 1874 Kottern 3 v 3 FC Deisenhofen
Stefan Treiber (Neuburg an der Donau); Moritz Hägele, Felix Wagner.
As JCFC arrived at the ground, so too did a Porsche, which disgorged the three officials. The 18 year old Herr Wagner shamefully had a bag with wheels, but eventually slung it over his shoulder as they neared the entrance.
The visitors looked the livelier side and a header from a free-kick on 3 minutes drew an excellent reaction save from the home keeper. Play was rather scrappy for a while, with numerous fouls. There was a rebuke for the home number 29 for lashing the ball when caught offside.The petty fouls became fewer and play more open. Herr Treiber played a good advantage midway through the half, subsequently issuing a yellow card to the visiting number 22. Home fans were disappointed as a lovely ball in was missed by two attempts to head it home, but it signalled a period of Kottern dominance. On 33 minutes, however, Deisenhofen launched a counter and Herr Treiber played a brilliant advantage near halfway, resulting in a goal for the visitors - and a yellow for the Kottern number 21. The lead lasted just six minutes, a smart move, good cross and leaping header providing the equaliser. Two minutes later Kottern took the lead rather too easily.
Herr Treiber had to deal with an overreaction by the visiting number 5 after he had ended on the hoardings when challenged on the touchline, speaking to both players involved. A deflection by a Deisenhofen defender almost produced an own goal on the hour. There was a yellow for Kottern for delaying a free-kick. When the visitors substituted their far winger, Herr Treiber tried to point him off at that side, but he was scampering quickly and was allowed to continue as they exchanged smiles. Three times Deisenhofen came close, requiring a couple of fine saves, before they in turn were rescued by the post. With a succession of further substitutions, the game appeared to be dying, but the visitors produced an equaliser on 84 minutes. In the next minute the visiting number 13's SPA offence was rightly deemed Bad enough to merit a yellow. Kottern took the lead once more on 88 minutes, a good cross being misheaded so badly downwards that it bounced over the keeper. Stoppage time brought a scramble In the Deisenhofen goalmouth and then a visiting attack involving a block and the rebound fired over, just as Herr Treiber pointed to the penalty spot, seemingly indicating use of an arm. Treatment for an injured player, and protests delayed the showing of a yellow card until the kick was about to be taken. The kick was successful and the final whistle was blown immediately.
Herr Treiber's afternoon was not finished as he was treated to a long tirade from the home boss, who eventually left to shake hands with his opposite number. Two further, more conciliatory-looking approaches were made by other home officials, before the boss caught up with them once more some way short of the exit. Initially it looked as if he was about to apologise, but a further discussion followed, Herr Treiber having plenty to say this time as it carried on for several minutes, though it ended with the referee's arm round the boss's shoulders.
It seems unlikely that he will be receiving a good mark from Kottern, which is a pity as until the mystery of the last minute he had refereed well, in a sympathetic manner. It will probably not matter, as at 32 he is almost geriatric in German refereeing terms. His two assistants have time on their side. Both were hand changers, and SRA2 in particular contributed a number of good flags for fouls - though he needs to practise switching the flag before raising it.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 14 Dec 2019 09:24
Friday 13th December 2019
Oberliga Nord-Ost Nord
Tennis Borussia Berlin 3 v 2 SV Tasmania Berlin
Tom Channir (Pankow); Fabian Zastrow, Philipp Gentsch.
Recalling his recent confusion between Bradford Town and Bridgwater Town - having initially used BT for each - the various Ts and Bs were reduced to H and A..The home side were top of the table, Tasmania just three points above the relegation spots. Unsurprisingly it was the home team that made the livelier start. Within the first ten minutes they were off target with a free-kick from just outside the box, and had seen the visiting keeper stoop to head a through ball clear outside his area. Tasmania responded and came close to opening the scoring when an 11th minute free-kick was curled in, an attacker met it well, but the home keeper spread himself desperately and the ball deflected off his leg. The corner came to nothing and as the home side countered, an attack-stopper brought a yellow card. This was followed a minute later by a less obvious one for the home side. On 17 minutes the home number 8 beat the offside trap and gave his side the lead. Thus encouraged, they dominated for the rest of the half, with some decent passing and the visiting keeper was kept busy, making a number of good saves (and one boob, when he miscued a back-pass for a corner.) On 35 minutes, though, the home side swept forward, number 8 offside all the way, but the passes avoided him until he was eventually onside to score his second.
The second half was a different story, Tasmania pulling a goal back within two minutes of the restart, and drawing level on 63 minutes. Tennis Borussia were somewhat rattled and wasted several attacking chances on their right.through speculative attempts on goal rather than playing it into the danger area. On 77 minutes, however, they attacked on their left and scored their winner, amid claims for offside from the visitors. The closing minutes brought a great block by the visiting keeper, a clearance off the line at the other end, two yellows as home players fouled attackers - and finished as the home side rolled the ball just wide of an empty net.
The assistants both tried to switch hands, but in a rather haphazard manner. Initial impressions of Herr Channir were mixed, with reservations about his whistle and tendency to over-penalise, but he mellowed and became less obtrusive as the game went on, which is as it should be perhaps. In the end he kept a firm grip on the game in a decent performance. It may be that he contributed rather more than was apparent from the distant stand. So where, knowing JCFC's penchant for Toms, does that leave him in the German list? He could not compete with Tom Bauer, but moves into the silver medal position: the fact that to date there are only two entrants should not be held against him!
Post by: JCFC on Sat 14 Dec 2019 21:28
Saturday 14th December 2019
Oberliga Nord-Ost Nord
FC Hertha 03 Zehlendorf 1 v 2 MSV Pampow
Johnny Schiefer (Annaberg-Buchholz); Max Bringmann, Ronny Walter.
This match saw fourth entertaining sixth, so an even contest was expected. Zehlendorf fired a great chance wide on 8 minutes, but despite some good approach play, there were few clear scoring opportunities. Herr Schiefer was not proving typical of German referees at this level, by being willing to allow tackles and commendably deaf to yelps of agony. A challenge by the Zehlendorf number 9 to the back of an opponent's leg might well have merited a yellow card, but Herr Schiefer settled for just the free-kick. On 36 minutes a strong blast on the whistle preceded an instant red card for the Pampow number 23, for an offence after the ball had gone. Those of us under cover had followed the ball and missed the offence, so credit to Herr Schiefer for his trailing eye. The dismissed player had a long walk round to the opposite corner, allowing time for an intervention from the visiting bosses, with one talking his way into a yellow card. On 40 minutes there was nearly a looped own-goal from a Zehlendorf defender, but a colleague managed to scoop it away just in time. Pampow were not to be denied, though, and took the lead before the break. One would have expected the assistants to race to their colleague's side at the half-time whistle, but they were disappointingly leisurely in their reaction. Herr Walter did get there before the Pampow boss could start his extended protests, while Herr Bringmann eventually shooed away a Pampow player. The diatribe stopped as the officials left the field and there appeared to be a Pampow council meeting in the corner, with a track-suited individual (the dismissed player?) making a gesture that could have been interpreted as an elbow.
Zehlendorf applied plenty of pressure after the restart. An attacker went down in a coming together in the Pampow penalty area, but there were no protests when Herr Schiefer waved play on. For all their pressure Zehlendorf could not land the necessary blow and on 63 minutes a rapid Pampow break was halted by an unwise challenge by the Zehlendorf number 4 - yellow card, penalty and 0-2.There could have been a third, a poor clearance leaving a Pampow attacker free, but the keeper redeemed himself with a block. On 68 minutes Zehlendorf finally made their pressure tell, the goal being greeted with a burst of music from the tannoy, something that had not happened at the earlier scores. Within two minutes a pointless barge after the ball had gone gave Zehlendorf the chance to equalise from the spot, but the kick was blasted wide. A further great chance was then skied way over the bar. The Zehlendorf keeper made another crucial block with his feet,while the Pampow keeper made a couple of very comfortable takes. Zehlendorf picked up two yellows in quick succession in the 89th minute and even when their keeper came up for a corner, Zehlendorf could not find an equaliser.
The officials were well received at the end and deservedly so. It had been a slightly odd game, with many instances of handshakes and apologies between players. At 21, though his swarthy complexion and beard make him appear older, Herr Schiefer is considered a good prospect, at least in his home area (admittedly not a hotbed of German refereeing.) Overall he put in an impressive, confident display and was not frightened to make strong decisions. What particularly impressed was his awareness of potential flashpoints and ability to step in to defuse matters in an unobtrusive way. In England his prospects would be very good: whether his admirable departure from the more usual German robotic style will hold him back remains to be seen. It is to be hoped not.
And the 13.00 kick-off time allowed the journey back to be made in daylight, though the highlight was the super Heidelberger Platz underground station.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 15 Dec 2019 19:25
Sunday 15th December 2019
Regionalliga Nord-Ost
Berliner Athletik Klub 07 3 v 3 FSV Union Fürstenwalde
Lars Albert (Leipzig); Johnny Schiefer, Ronny Walter..
A step up from the two previous matches, the admission was only €8, but the attendance a rather disappointing 162 - perhaps people are deterred by the awful club song "Run BAK,* - it can be found via Google, but is not recommended. It is unusual at this level to find a referee of such advanced years (Herr Albert is 41.) He is tall and rangy and moved around effectively with a long loping stride. The two assistants were of course familiar from the previous day.
With 11th hosting 7th an even match was anticipated, but ideas changed when Fürstenwalde tapped in from a corner in the first minute and came close again in the second. BAK did get their act together, heading against the bar on 10 minutes and equalising after a weak clearance. The Fürstenwalde defence was all over the place three minutes later, with the keeper scrambling desperately as BAK hit the bar once again, but this time the danger passed. The next quarter of an hour was less eventful, until a rash challenge saw Herr Albert produce an instant red card for the BAK number 6. Herr Schiefer again did well to step in to forestall the imminent retaliation of visiting players. Herr Albert, meanwhile, was showing yellow to a member of the BAK staff who had stepped onto the pitch to protest. There was a yellow for the BAK number 3 for a foul and one for the visiting number 24 for tapping the ball away at a throw-in. It was again disappointing after a half with a controversial incident that the assistants did not sprint to the referee's side as two BAK players wanted a word with him. Herr Schiefer was busy receiving a handshake from the BAK boss.
BAK were slow to come out for the second half and even slower to get into their stride, as Fürstenwalde were immediately able to roll the ball under the keeper to go ahead once more. Just before the hour Herr Albert raced as if to award BAK a penalty, only to notice that Herr Albert's offside flag had been up for some time. A good run saw a BAK attacker fire over the bar before the visiting number 16 received a yellow card for a foul firmly flagged by Herr Walter. Fürstenwalde were offering little and it seemed obvious that any further score would come from BAK. It was not to be as on 86 minutes the home keeper advanced to control a nothing ball with his body, but merely presented it to a.token attacker who gratefully rolled it into an unguarded net. On 89 minutes BAK scored with a good shot into the top corner and equalised rather too easily in stoppage time.
Herr Albert's was an interesting technique with lots of finger-wagging on the hoof, but it proved effective on the whole, with no recriminations at the end. Both assistants switched hands naturally. It must be said, though, that Herr Schiefer impressed rather less on the line than he had in the middle: his offside flag needs to be firmer, while occasionally he seemed to lose position slightly through ball-watching. He must have something, though, as at the final whistle he received handshakes and cuddles from all the BAK technical staff - not since Ben Toner at Padiham has JCFC witnessed such a response to an official.
It was disappointing that all three matches took place within an athletics track, but good to see nine pairs of long sleeves - three yellow, three red and three black. Tomorrow JCFC says Goodbye to Berlin, these teams having already said Goodbye to Football - their rext match not being until February 2nd.
Post by: bmb on Sun 15 Dec 2019 19:35
Post by: JCFC on Sun 15 Dec 2019 19:37
Post by: jad on Mon 16 Dec 2019 14:54
Post by: JCFC on Fri 06 Mar 2020 21:18
Friday 6th March 2020
3. Liga
MSV Duisburg 1 v 0 FC Magdeburg
Florian Badstübner (Windsbach); Julius Martenstein, Christopher Schwarzmann.
When the appointment was published, there was a certain sense of disappointment that the referee was one seen, albeit somewhat distantly, earlier this season.
Despite a poor run recently, Duisburg were still top of the table, and some of their slick football showed why, though JCFC was still staring at a virgin page when they took the lead on 25 minutes. On 33 minutes they had a chance - the ball was slipped under the advancing keeper, but with not enough pace to cross the line before a defender could get back to clear. Two minutes later the Magdeburg number 2 went down when tackled, Herr Badstübner immediately signalling no foul. The ball went out of play as number 2 regained his feet and the unfortunate Herr Schwarzmann took the full force of his complaints - until Herr Badstübner ran across to sort it out. Magdeburg threatened a couple of times just before the break, but to no effect.
They had an even better chance on the restart, but pulled the shot wide.Things were proving more even, but the visiting keeper had a decent save to make on 54 minutes. A barge in the back of a breaking player brought the game's first yellow for the home number 10. On the hour the Magdeburg number 2 went down in a challenge by the home number 9 on the far touchline. Herr Badstübner, as ever, was where he needed to be and the red card was instantly produced. He looked to be indicating the use of the knee, but as number 2 had to depart on a stretcher, there was probably more to it than that - and there were few complaints from Duisburg. From that point Magdeburg were on top, though they did pick up a deserved yellow when Duisburg's rare attack was crudely stopped.The closing stages saw the home keeper make a couple of showy saves, while the Magdeburg number 8 received a yellow card in added time for a foul.
At Illertissen, Herr Badstübner had been competent without impressing unduly: in this game it was clear that he was communicating with players - and effectively judging by the responses - and he did have a smile on occasions, and showed why he is on the 2. Liga list. The final seconds, though could have been dealt with more sensibly, perhaps: at a goal kick there were briefly two balls on the pitch, the keeper tossing back the replacement, just as the Magdeburg number 11 raced to hoof the other one into the stand. The final whistle was then blown - it would have been more judicious to wait for the restart (against all JCFC's usual rants) as number 11 was unimpressed to say the least. That said, Herr Badstübner had been good at dealing with time-wasting and had also made a generous allowance of added time. Overall a very good display, though the last second possibly cost him marks.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 07 Mar 2020 19:23
Saturday7th March 2020
A-Junioren Bundesliga West
Fortuna Düsseldorf 0 v 5 Bayer Leverkusen
Felix Weller (Neunkirchen); David Wagener, Fabian Spitzer.
Again a familiar referee was in charge, but this time through JCFC's deliberate choice. Herr Weller did not disappoint: fluid movement, with a nice reverse gear, sound triage with good use of advantage and well-modulated whistle made for a very good showing in what was admittedly not a difficult match. Unfortunately the distance was too great to establish whether he has yet learned to use his smile.
The two teams were level on points, Leverkusen inching into fourth place by virtue of a one better goal difference. On 3 minutes a Leverkusen lattacker worked a great opening for a left foot shot, but seemed to have missed the boat when he cut back inside - that is until his right foot shot hit the back of the net. A good Fortuna cross was headed wide on 12 minutes, but on 29 minutes they gave the ball away in midfield and the visitors took advantage to double their lead. The home side did create chances, but their finishing was tame. When the Leverkusen keeper flapped at a corner and missed, a defender was there to clear off the line. Their best chance of all came on 35 minutes, SRA1 flagging confidently for a penalty for a clear foul, ,but the shot hit the post and the rebound was cleared. The taker's misery grew when he was correctly cautioned for a badly mistimed challenge.
Any thoughts of a Düsseldorf second-half comeback lasted just a minute, before Leverkusen scored their third, adding a fourth on 54 minutes. At substitutions the home players were very disciplined in leaving the pitch by the shortest route.. There was a caution for a home defender after an advantage and a fifth goal for Leverkusen as the pass and run timings were just enough to beat the offside. SRA1 made an excellent lofted kick of the replacement ball from ground to far corner and earned a round of applause from the surprisingly large crowd of 212.. The Live Ticker did not record a six-goal Fortuna turnaround, nor any further disciplinary sanctions, JCFC having left five minutes early to avoid being ten minutes late at ...
Post by: JCFC on Sun 08 Mar 2020 08:42
Saturday 7th March 2020
Regionalliga West
Wuppertaler SV 2 v 0 TuS Haltern am See
Martin Tietze (Bonn); Mario Heller, Peter Bonczek.
Play got under way promptly and was equally promptly halted. The Wuppertal Ultras had unfurled three long banners with unsuitable slogans. Herr Tietze sought out the home captain who in turn sought out the announcer, who said that the banners should be removed to allow the match to proceed. Play restarted, the banners were removed, replaced briefly by one stating what the DFB could do to itself. Wuppertal had a powerful shot, but over the bar; Haltern beat the keeper with a shot on the turn, but hit the post and blasted the rebound straight at the keeper.The home number 27 was warned for a strong clatter from behind; Haltern netted in the subsequent play, but were rightly denied by the offside flag.A good cross beyond the far post, a header back and a firm nod home gave Wuppertal the lead on 28 minutes. Two home players received yellow cards, one for a push, one for a trip. A Haltern shot skimmed the bar and then it was Wuppertal's turn to have an effort ruled out for offside.
A rugby tackle by a defender just outside the Haltern penalty area drew a free-kick, but not the yellow card that it demanded. The yel!ow did appear shortly afterwards for a trip by the home number 24. On 55 minutes the Haltern defenders were drawn horribly out of position and Wuppertal added their second. There were some decent saves by the Haltern goalie - one a double effort - another yellow for a Wuppertal defender, but no further scores.
When Herr Heller had been seen refereeing two years ago, he looked 40, though only 28. This time the view was more distant and the now 30 year old could well have passed for 55. He had been a competent referee in the game at Ahlen and proved a competent assistant here, with 9/10 for hand switching. Not so Herr Bonczek, whose 1/10 was earned solely because he did not actually drop his flag. He seemed amiable in his chats with ball boys and occasionally with nearby players and flagged willingly for offences in his vicinity. Facially he did not appear old, but he lacked the urgency to put himself in the best position to judge offside - or maybe his running was restricted by a painful case of nappy rash. Referee Tietze seemed accurate in his assessment of fouls, and played some good advantages, but seemed rather hit or miss with his use of cards. From a distance he looked to have a certain jolliness potential, though it may have been a trick of the light. He whistled overlong in German style - not something apparent in the two preceding games. At 29, his prospects of further upward moves are not great and JCFC was ultimately slightly underwhelmed, particularly as he was the only one of the nine officials to date to lower the tone by wearing short sleeves.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 08 Mar 2020 19:36
Sunday 8th March 2020
Oberliga Niederrhein
SV Union Nettetal 0 v 0 1.FC Kleve
Daniel Hachtkemper (Bocholt); Dr Thomas Dickmann, Michael Burian.
It is hard for an old codger like JCFC to take seriously an official with a man bun and sure enough the idea of switching his flag proved totally beyond SRA2, who admittedly was otherwise competent. As was to be expected of someone with a doctorate, this was no problem to SRA1. At first sight it seemed that he might match the first syllable of his surname (in the German rather than the English sense) but that was perhaps a shade harsh. His poor attempt at a beard, however, did him no favours. Herr Hachtkemper was fair-haired, and had he had the good sense to wear long sleeves for added gravitas, he might have cut quite a dash.
The morning had been sunny, but by the time the ground was reached, drizzle had arrived, making the afternoon grey and dismal - and to be honest the game rather fell into the same category. Herr Hachtkemper was energetic in his movement, but had relatively little to do in the first half. It took him a little too long to spot, or be informed, that two players were down in the goal area on 26 minutes. A Nettetal player was dispossessed on 38 minutes with a challenge that was part jump and part slide, the weighting in favour of the latter. Herr Hachtkemper saw nothing wrong: not so the Nettetal bench, who were briefly up in arms.
On 49 minutes a substantial clatter in the back of a Union player did not receive the caution it probably deserved. The free-kick, though, was excellent and was kept out only by a combination of keeper, crossbar and defender. Otherwise Kleve were on top, but could not take their chances. The final quarter brought one caution for each side, but the final whistle was a relief. Herr Hachtkemper had been competent, without really hitting the heights. Good, but not special.
An earlier second team match meant that this game had been scheduled for 15.15, meaning that there would be a wait of 50 minutes on a bare station platform. Overall the best feature of the afternoon had been the coffee and cake in the clubhouse before kick-off.
Next weekend Caledonia calls again!
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 09 Mar 2020 09:13
Quote
Next weekend Caledonia calls again!Taking any excuse to move off topic ... I attended a farmer friend's funeral on Friday. Our minister excels at funerals and this was a very uplifting funeral as he told stories my friend's long and interesting life. He was a long suffering Ayr United supporter and generous too, the minister believed that he had "put his hand in his pocket when Ayr needed new floodlights". However, I think that it was probably apocryphal that he offered to rebuild Somerset Park ... "with the seats facing outwards rather than inwards".
Post by: JCFC on Mon 23 Mar 2020 14:20
Anybody already bored out of their wits might relish the challenge of identifying the venue in question, but I imagine most folks are too sensible to care.
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 24 Mar 2020 07:24
Meantime, I note that there are a few ferries shown as crossing the Elba in Hamburg and that Union Tornesch were to play on May 10th.
Post by: Ref Watcher on Tue 24 Mar 2020 09:17
Straying equally far off topic: with Germany now "repelling boarders" it seems certain that the trip I had booked for May,starting in Hamburg and finishing in Wroclaw but based largely in Saxony, will not be able to take place. This is a shame, as I had particularly been looking forward to an Oberliga fixture on May 10th, which offered the unusual chance to take a short river crossing by ferry en route to the ground.I am not (yet) bored enough to wade through all the Oberliga fixtures to come up with an educated case but one possibility that came to mind was Bremen. I recall the Weserstadion being accessible by ferry. That's not so far from Hamburg, although a considerable distance from Saxony. Do Werder have a junior team playing at Oberliga level?
Anybody already bored out of their wits might relish the challenge of identifying the venue in question, but I imagine most folks are too sensible to care.
Sorry that you're missing out on Wrocław; it's stunning. If you have not been before I would thoroughly recommend rearranging this trip when possible just for that.
Post by: JCFC on Tue 24 Mar 2020 10:04
Hamburg was only a one-night stopover, arranged when flybe folded and I could no longer fly to Hannover, so neither suggestion is valid. On the day in question I would have been staying in Leipzig, though the game in question would have been in a neighbouring Land, though still accessible using a Sachsenticket on the trains.
I have been to Wroclaw once before and share Ref Watcher's enthusiasm for it (though again this was to have been a one-night pre-flight stopover.) Gdansk, however, is the favourite of the Polish cities I have visited, but curiously I did enjoy Lodz as well, though I'm not sure why!
Post by: JCFC on Wed 25 Mar 2020 09:45
Post by: JCFC on Thu 02 Apr 2020 19:16
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 19 Apr 2020 11:59
A marvellous window, Microscopist, but I missed the louse, which was originally seen in church, was it not?Today's offering from Alloway features, in the tailpiece, part of my favourite window.
https://youtu.be/7S4Z_9njl7o
This window is a tribute of a husband, William Houldsworth, to his wife, Sara Abercromby. In the clip her qualities are related to various women from the Old & New Testament. A further attraction to the window comes higher up the window where there are two enigmatic quatrefoils each figuring eleven characters, some of which can be deciphered but many seem out of place in a Presbyterian Church in 1891.
But this window also forms a link to my home village (as was) of Reddish. The cousin of the Alloway William Houldsworth, also called William Houldsworth, was a mill owner in Reddish and his name is still attached to numerous places in Reddish and on his retiral he moved to Coodham, near Symington. Whilst my mother as young women worked in one of the other mills (Gregs) in later life when the Houldsworth Mill had become a mail order distribution centre she did work there. So whenever I look at this window it reminds me of Reddish.
Meanwhile my BLFG is now in receipt of a letter requiring her to stay at home for the next twelve weeks, "shielding"! Ah well, at least we should be able to get priority for supermarket deliveries although we have been quite fortunate so far and we do have a little bit of
On a different note I did have a recent birthday and my daughter sent me a framed black and white photograph signed by Dennis Law. It shows him in City strip looking a bit distraught and with Mike Summerbee putting a comforting arm round his shoulder whilst a couple of "fans" appear to be abusing him. A few years ago City invited fans to contribute their favourite City moments to a booklet called "Keeping the Faith". My contribution was selected for publication and if I recall correctly came next to a contribution from Don Revie, and it described this moment.
Oh, and a louse? In Alloway, surely not?
Post by: JCFC on Sun 19 Apr 2020 15:04
I noted at the end of the service that the text of the hymn read "Hail him as thy chosen King" while the singers seemed to be saying "blessed King." I was not familiar with either, having always known the phrase as "matchless King," and one of my early work colleagues used that term whenever he required a light from somebody (not me!)
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 19 Apr 2020 15:57
Post by: Bakis on Mon 20 Apr 2020 18:24
The use of screens and captions for online services does bring to the fore the quantity of minor variations that exist even in well known texts. Relatively recent attempts to achieve gender neutrality, welcome as they are, have tended to increase the problem. Perhaps the answer is to avoid screens.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 29 Apr 2020 11:12
Post by: Microscopist on Wed 29 Apr 2020 12:38
Post by: JCFC on Wed 29 Apr 2020 12:57
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 03 May 2020 11:34
No wonder I didn't see any bees - I should have been counting ladybirds!Yep, that would account for it!
Today we have Noah, a rainbow and dove, pouring rain, an Ark, a lamb, two deer and two domesticated dogs with collars and leads: but still no bees!
If you look to the right of the minister's shoulder under the window, there is I think a largish fly, we could pretend it is a bee, perhaps?
https://www.allowaychurch.org/four-seasons.
https://youtu.be/JQxlSs74vis
Post by: JCFC on Sun 03 May 2020 13:37
I am old enough to recall when the Clyde steamers called at Innellan, though never disembarked there, and was familiar with the story of George Matheson. Indeed, I chose that particular hymn to be played while waiting for the commital at the crematorium following my mother's funeral in Church - partly because the tune is St Margaret, and that was her first name. She would not have claimed to be a saint, but to my mind got as near as most folks can.
I must say that I do like your minister's delivery: clear and unpretentious seems an ideal recipe and he follows it perfectly.
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 03 May 2020 18:26
Post by: JCFC on Wed 06 May 2020 22:24
On a smaller scale the current lockdown suggests that deferring pleasure has much to commend it. The highlight of the week is the brief trip to the supermarket, but Old Codgers' Hour sees one home by 9am, with bedtime a long way off and the week stretching ahead. I have therefore taken to going after 9pm, leaving something to look forward to all day. As a further refinement, I have this evening decided not to go, so will be able to enjoy the anticipation all day tomorrow as well. So "Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow" will be my motto, but then it possibly always was.
Post by: Microscopist on Sat 09 May 2020 16:31
Meantime my feeling that humans should hibernate in winter is happening, just a bit out of phase with the seasons and indeed with the weather which has been and still is glorious. Though not for long if the forecast is to be believed.
My other motto is never put off 'til tomorrow that which can be put off to next week, month, year, decade, century or millennium. Perhaps it is Scottish life rubbing off on me, when I moved up here from Surrey an ex-weegie colleague told me that the gaelic language had no word with quite the urgency of mañana..
Post by: JCFC on Sat 09 May 2020 17:41
A German article talking of how the restart will be handled for match officials
http://www.fussball.de/newsdetail/bundesliga-restart-vorkehrungen-im-schiedsrichter-bereich/-/article-id/215382#!/
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 10 May 2020 09:46
https://youtu.be/-rDbj1OIxuQ
As for the window, twelve fruits and a riverside meadow full of flowers - but still no bees.
Post by: ajb95 on Mon 11 May 2020 13:28
Post by: JCFC on Mon 18 May 2020 21:08
Post by: JCFC on Mon 18 May 2020 21:25
Suitably encouraged, I pointed my laptop in the direction of Clevedon Presbyterian's 17th May service, this being the local church of relatives in New Zealand. The building seems to be very modern and possibly multi-purpose, the minister (in open-necked shirt rather than the Alloway clerical collar) speaking slightly awkwardly from in front of crowded bookshelves. Despite the distraction they posed, his traditional and more cerebral sermon (longer by far than the Alloway address) managed to hold the attention. Indeed the service as a whole was almost twice as long, though less skilfully produced. There was an anthem, performed (over-performed for my liking) by a trained singer, so that the sense was lost. Overall one should commend the service, though it was sad that the hymns were performed by a lady soloist (you can only use what you have, of course) - resulting in a hideously warbled and emasculated rendition of Blaenwern, normally one of my favourites, both in terms of tune and words. A good try, but if we are "spairt" the mouse will be pointing Northwards again next week!
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 18 May 2020 23:13
We have from time to time had a problem with wasps - which took us a long time to discover. Over a period of a couple of years we would occasionally have a burning smell in the Church. We had previously had a near disaster when part of the electricity supply running in conduit under the floor had overheated but thanks to the conduit (which in itself had probably contributed to the overheating) there was no oxygen to allow flames and the circuit breaker tripped before any real damage was done. So we were conscious of any burning smells, and it did only seem to appear when the Church was in use - it didn't normally happen if folk went in on their own. We considered blaming the Brig o'Doon Hotel for burning their toast or the gardeners in the Burns' Monument Garden burning rubbish but it was a fairly distinctive, though not readily attributed smell. In the end it all harked back about 20 years when new lighting had been installed. The installation was a great improvement in appearance on the old but rather less effective at providing light and so the installer added a large number of halogen spot/flood lights - quite high up. It appeared that these lights were not all awfully well sealed and that the wasps, for reasons best known to themselves, liked to congregate inside some of them - and die. When the dead bodies built up they would start to be cremated by the halogen bulb - when sufficient bodies had been despatched the cremations would stop for a while.
Thank you for your comments on the services, I like the short service and could be quite tempted to stay at home on a Sunday in future. However, that leads to a problem as the format and technology behind these short services is different to that for producing projected images on the screen in the Church - so what to do when "normality" returns?
With regard to bookshelves I have taken quite an interest in the tendency for folk speaking from home to position themselves with bookshelves behind them - such is my nature that the tidier the bookshelf the more suspicious I am of the speaker.
The Lutheran Church in Germany are now meeting again and helpfully sent their required procedures to the Church of Scotland who circulated them to its congregations - like the Bundesliga I feel the effect would be to produce a fairly sterile atmosphere. We did have a "virtual" installation of a new Moderator on Saturday - though with no General Assembly for him to moderate. The previous Moderator and his wife for the last seven weeks of his term had returned to their manse (in Morningside) and gave morning reflections on the website which my BLFG and I enjoyed watching - particularly Ruth's contributions.
Neil's preaching style is quite light but pleasant and now he has realised that his "jokes" dinna work in an empty Church (perhaps the offer of canned laughter got that message home) and his accepting the concept that looking at the camera is a good thing to do, he comes across very well I think.
Post by: bmb on Tue 19 May 2020 12:23
With regard to bookshelves I have taken quite an interest in the tendency for folk speaking from home to position themselves with bookshelves behind them - such is my nature that the tidier the bookshelf the more suspicious I am of the speaker.
Not sure what my bookshelves would say about me, most books upright but with piles of books lying flat in front of them and all manner of junk shoved in around them! Tidiness is not a strength of mine!
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 19 May 2020 22:18
Post by: Ref Watcher on Wed 20 May 2020 10:20
(https://dail.me.uk/____impro/1/onewebmedia/IMG_0141.JPG?etag=W%2F%22394910-5ec4498c%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=268%2B200&extract=0%2B0%2B268%2B200&quality=85)That picture has made me feel a touch more comfortable with mine! I did notice yesterday that I have a number of worthy tomes visible over my left shoulder when on video calls, while the rather more commercial offerings are out of sight to my right. No planning has gone into this happy state of affairs.
Post by: Ashington46 on Wed 20 May 2020 11:31
Anyway, suffice to say that it is an individual choice how you use your bookcase so do as you please because it doesn't really matter!
Post by: bmb on Wed 20 May 2020 15:59
That picture has made me feel a touch more comfortable with mine! I did notice yesterday that I have a number of worthy tomes visible over my left shoulder when on video calls, while the rather more commercial offerings are out of sight to my right. No planning has gone into this happy state of affairs.
I know that feeling! I have a large bookcase that has books the right way up along every shelf, then books on their side in front of those nice neat rows, other books shoved on top on the nice neat rows along with folders, loose paper and goodness knows what else slotted into any spare gap! I have a smaller bookshelf that sits next to it, right beside my desk that has all my Hungarian textbooks, cook books, history books etc shoved in wherever I can fit them! There's also a Hungary flag, scarf and football shirt squeezed in there as well. My Lilák shirt is hung up the other side of my desk! This thread did prompt me to count the current number of books on my bedside table - 57! There's another 30 odd on the windowsill and about 500 in boxes in a cupboard! I never get rid of books!!
Post by: JCFC on Mon 25 May 2020 13:47
I noted at the end of the service that the text of the hymn read "Hail him as thy chosen King" while the singers seemed to be saying "blessed King." I was not familiar with either, having always known the phrase as "matchless King," and one of my early work colleagues used that term whenever he required a light from somebody (not me!)
Listening to the repeat, I was doubtless wrong - I suspect that the congregation was indeed singing "mätchless" in a most refined accent!
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 25 May 2020 19:47
Post by: JCFC on Sat 30 May 2020 17:33
Post by: JCFC on Sun 31 May 2020 16:20
The German 3rd Division has also resumed today.
And after 28 matches per side, only six points (42-47) cover the first 11 clubs, which should lead to an exciting end to the season.
Post by: nemesis on Wed 03 Jun 2020 15:14
The German 3rd Division has also resumed today.
And after 28 matches per side, only six points (42-47) cover the first 11 clubs, which should lead to an exciting end to the season.
Indeed and that's still the case after several teams have played their 29th. With the League leaders having only won twice in 10 matches everything to play for.
TSV 1860 on their way back perhaps ? I notice Bayern Munich seconds are in this division - are there constraints on potential promotions ?
Post by: JCFC on Wed 03 Jun 2020 15:59
I think that the U-23 sides are not eligible for promotion to Bundesliga 2 - that was certainly the original plan, but who knows?
TSV are no longer allowed to share Bayern's stadium, though I believe Bayern ll still play at TSV's much smaller ground.
Post by: nemesis on Wed 03 Jun 2020 16:47
MSV Duisburg will surely extend the gap to 8 points with a win against Carl Zeiss Jena tonight, though.I think moving back a couple of years ago was a popular move with most of the fanbase.
I think that the U-23 sides are not eligible for promotion to Bundesliga 2 - that was certainly the original plan, but who knows?
TSV are no longer allowed to share Bayern's stadium, though I believe Bayern ll still play at TSV's much smaller ground.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 03 Jun 2020 20:06
MSV Duisburg will surely extend the gap to 8 points with a win against Carl Zeiss Jena tonight, though.
Wrong again! Top v bottom ended 1-1.
Post by: nemesis on Wed 03 Jun 2020 21:14
MSV Duisburg will surely extend the gap to 8 points with a win against Carl Zeiss Jena tonight, though.
Wrong again! Top v bottom ended 1-1.
With Duisburg's centre-forward scoring both the opening goal and the equaliser !
Post by: JCFC on Thu 11 Jun 2020 15:38
I notice Bayern Munich seconds are in this division - are there constraints on potential promotions ?
With Bayern ll having risen to second in the table and currently occupying one of the direct promotion positions, Fussball.de has confirmed that they cannot be promoted. Should they finish there, the third in the table would receive automatic promotion, with the fourth placed then taking part in the "Relegation" play-off against the third bottom in the 2. Bundesliga.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 17 Jun 2020 09:41
Hamburg's draw at home to Osnabrück means that Arminia Bielefeld are assured of promotion from the 2. Bundesliga.
Meanwhile the situation at the top of the 3. Liga becomes ever more uncertain: 4 teams covered by a single point. Perhaps the second batch of fixtures tonight will bring a little clarity. At the other end of the table, Carl Zeiss Jena are already relegated and Sonnenhof Großaspach look likely to follow, but there is a scramble to avoid the remaining two relegation spots.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 25 Jun 2020 12:46
In the Bundesliga, Bayern are champions,Dortmund and RB Leipzig will have two of the other Champions League spots, the final one going to either Gladbach or Leverkusen, with the former taking it if they gain at least a point at home to Hertha. Leverkusen would then receive a Europa League place, along with Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim. At the other end of the table Werder Bremen will have to beat Köln at home and hope that Fortuna Düsseldorf lose away to Union Berlin. Even then they (or Fortuna) would have to survive a play-off against the third in the 2. Bundesliga.
There, Bielefeld and Stuttgart are assured of promotion. Heidenheim came from behind to beat Hamburg last week and leap-frogged them, so currently occupy third place, but as their final match is a trip to Bielefeld, while Hamburg, a point behind with a better goal difference are at home to Sandhausen, Hamburg look favourites to gain the play-off spot. Given Karlsruhe's three point advantage and better goal difference, Dynamo Dresden and Wehen Wiesbaden will face automatic relegation. Nürnberg have a two point cushion ahead of their trip to Kiel and will be hoping that their neighbours Greuther Fürth do them a favour by beating Karlsruhe, who would then face a relegation play-off.
The 3. Liga has 20 teams, so there are still three rounds of fixtures to play. The field is narrowing somewhat, but the fun continues. Bayern ll are currently top on goal difference from Braunschweig, with Würzburger Kickers, a point behind on 60, effectively occupying the second promotion spot. Last night's win for Ingolstadt moves them into the play-off spot, on goal difference ahead of the limping zebras of Duisburg (a good title there for a fancy novel!) Both have 57 points, one more than Hansa Rostock, whose trip to Würzburg this weekend is an important one. Despite losing, Waldhof Mannheim are still just in the frame, but as outsiders.
Of the four clubs to be relegated, Jena and Großaspach are definitely down. Preußen Münster's victory last night against Zwickau left Zwickau in 18th, while Preußen climbed to 17th. They are now just two points behind Chemnitz and five behind Halle and Magdeburg. A couple of good results might mean three of the four to go down would be heading for the Regionalliga Nord-Ost, which might have a knock-on effect there, particularly if Lok Leipzig fail to win promotion through their play-offs (tonight and Tuesday) with SC Verl. The three teams definitely promoted from the Regionalliga are Lübeck, Saarbrücken and Türkgücü München.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 25 Jun 2020 18:00
Post by: JCFC on Sun 28 Jun 2020 16:55
But not the anticipated Nordderby as Hamburg imploded surprisingly at home to Sandhausen, leaving Heidenheim to face Werder. Matters seemed settled at the other end of the 2. Bundesliga after five minutes, as Nürnberg took the lead at Kiel and Karlsruhe went behind at Fürth, but Karlsruhe went on to win, Nürnberg conceded and could only draw, so they go into the relegation play-off on goal difference.
Their opponents remain unknown. Bayern ll are clear at the top, but cannot be promoted. Würzburg had an excellent win against Rostock to move to 63 points with two to play. Braunschweig had looked comfortable, but an equaliser midway through the second half by Zwickau raised doubts. Braunschweig took the lead on 90 minutes - and then conceded twice in added time to drop to third, on 61. The footrot of the Limping Zebras of Duisburg begins to look terminal; though they rallied to draw at home against lowly Halle, they drop out of the play-off spot, two behind Ingolstadt (60). Rostock, TSV 1860 and Waldhof retain outside chances of gaining the play-off spot. Zwickau's win leaves them just one point short of local rivals Chemnitz in the battle for survival - and they are at home to them on Wednesday. It could be a lively affair.
Post by: JCFC on Fri 03 Jul 2020 11:32
Wednesday saw the penultimate round of fixtures, all played simultaneously as is the German custom at this point, in the 3. Liga and made for intriguing watching as scores were posted. Eintracht Braunschweig secured promotion; Würzburg unexpectedly were soundly beaten by Viktoria in Cologne, but nevertheless need only a point in their final match at home to Halle to ensure promotion and at worst would be in the play-off spot. Ingolstadt currently occupy that position, but inexplicably lost 0-2 at home to Magdeburg and face a difficult trip to TSV München at the weekend - a win for the hosts would see them move ahead of their visitors. The vet seemed to have worked his magic on the Limping Zebras, who twice led at leaders Bayern, only to be pulled back by a very late equaliser. Should Ingolstadt slip up, victory against Unterhaching in Duisburg would see the Zebras take the play-off spot ... unless ...
At the bottom of the table Münster were relegated, while Zwickau and Chemnitz were yoyoing to escape the fourth relegation spot. Zwickau won the match, and go into the final game at Mannheim two points ahead of Chemnitz, who must win at home to Hansa Rostock to have any chance of staying up. Hansa, though, still have irons in the fire, being level on points with Duisburg and needing a biggish win to wipe out their three goal deficit. It all makes the Premier League seem tame.
Thursday saw the first leg of the Bundesliga "Relegation" contest, small-town team Heidenheim emerging from their visit to Werder Bremen with a goalless draw. It is hard to know whether that favours them or not. We shall find out on Monday.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 04 Jul 2020 15:38
Tonight's Cup Final between Bayern München and Bayer Leverkusen will be refereed by 42 year old Tobias Welz from Wiesbaden, who stepped down from the FIFA list in January after injury problems. He will have his regular assistants, Rafael Foltyn and 2. Bundesliga referee Dr Martin Thomsen as assistants. Patrick Ittrich will be 4th Official, with Felix Zwayer as VAR.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 06 Jul 2020 19:23
It has been decided to reduce the 2. Bundesliga list to 16: to this effect Bendikt Kempkes, Robert Kempter (after a dozen years at that level) and Rene Rohde have become Bundesliga Specialist Assistants, along with Philipp Hüwe. Tobias Christ and Holger Henschel have ended their careers as Assistants. The aptly named Johann Pfeifer will no longer be aptly named, having moved from the 2. Bundesliga referees list to the VAR room at that level. Two 2. Bundesliga referees, Dr Matthias Jöllenbeck (33) and Tobias Reichel (34) have been selected for a talent group - not promoted, but given matches in the top division. Similarly two 3. Liga officials will have the opportunity to handle some 2. Bundesliga games - Florian Lechner (29) and, much to JCFC's pleasure, Patrick Hanslbauer (29).
It is not yet known whether there will be changes to the 3. Liga list.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 06 Jul 2020 21:43
Post by: ajb95 on Tue 07 Jul 2020 17:11
A third minute own goal gave Werder Bremen a comfortable cushion in the Relegation match, until Heidenheim scored on 84 minutes and applied pressure, looking for the goal they needed. Werder though added a second four minutes into added time and though Heidenheim levelled the score with a penalty after 97 minutes, the away goals were enough to secure Werder's Bundesliga status.
Who refereed the second leg JCFC? I know Zwayer did the first
Post by: JCFC on Tue 07 Jul 2020 17:34
Post by: JCFC on Tue 07 Jul 2020 19:14
Historically, since its inception 12 years ago, the play-off has been won by the 3. Liga side 8 times to 3. Nürnberg (proudly referred to as Der Club) are favourites to close that gap, having secured a 2-0 victory over Die Schanzer in their home leg. Ingolstadt would need a remarkable performance to turn things round.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 11 Jul 2020 19:23
The first half was goalless, which the ticker suggested was a fair reflection of the balance of play. The same ticker wished for a goal for Ingolstadt to make it more exciting, but the home side did better than that, scoring three times between minutes 53 and 66, to put them ahead in the tie. Nürnberg therefore had to find a goal to maintain their 2.Bundesliga status, and finally did so six minutes into added time.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 11 Jul 2020 21:24
The 3.Liga will have three "Englische Wochen" in the first half of the season - midweek matchdays: 20/21 October, 24/25 November and 15/16 December, the last of these also applying to the Bundeliga and 2.Bundesliga. The 3.Liga will also play on the International weekends of 9-12 October and 13-16 November. Unusually matches will continue until the 18-21 December, with the Second Round of the Cup as late as 22/23 December.
The Winter break will be vastly reduced, with fixtures resuming in the top two leagues in the first weekend of January, the 3.Liga restarting a week later. The top two leagues will have two midweek dates during the second half of the season, the 3.Liga three.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 20 Aug 2020 11:03
Post by: JCFC on Sat 29 Aug 2020 12:06
Leaving the 3. Liga list are Steffen Brütting (29), Marcel Gasteier (31), Oliver Lossius (29), Katrin Rafalski (38) and (Sadly, as he had done well when I saw him) Justus Zorn (30), whose double doctorate did not carry enough weight.
The new arrivals are Lars Erbst (25), Patrick Tim Glaser (27), Steven Greif (26), Konrad Oldhafer (25) and Martin Speckner (24). The most pleasing addition, though, is Tom Bauer (23),whose work and manner had greatly impressed a couple of years ago. Good luck to them all!
Post by: JCFC on Thu 03 Sep 2020 11:59
"Arriving very early in a small town on a public holiday when everything is shut, there is nothing for it but to go to Am Schießhaus (checking carefully that predictive text has done nothing unsuitable) there to await
Tuesday 31st October 2017
Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar
TSG Pfeddersheim 0 v 3 SC 07 Idar-Oberstein
Tom Bauer (Neuhofen); Julian Kuhn, Nico Bauer.
Idar-Oberstein is a somewhat larger combination of two locations noted for gemstones, with a fine gemstone museum. Pfeddersheim's ground was a pleasant place to be on a sunny afternoon, with no stand, but benches scattered around the ground. The clubhouse boasts a new extension and the view is of wooded banks on the other three sides. A spot to be recommended, though probably not on a cold, rainy day.
A distant rumbling proclaimed not thunder but the arrival of the officials in the standard jeans and anorak style (Herr Kuhn preferring a hooded cardigan) but each with a bag on wheels. Have they no shame? As JCFC was ordering a coffee, the officials came in from their stroll on the pitch. Herr Kuhn had a not-quite-a-beard and a cheerful manner, his junior colleague initially looking a little serious, but gradually relaxing. It was hard to know what to make of the referee at this stage: he had the manner of someone who knows he has been blessed with half-decent looks (the modish tuft on his chin apart) and intends to make use of them. The offer of coffee from the ladies at the counter was greeted with a flashing smile and eager acceptance. This had its effect, as one lady made him a further offer, receiving the reply "That would be a dream, but not before a match." JCFC 's German was not able to ascertain just what she was proposing - but it may have had something to do with the later appearance of an impressive cake. Herr Bauer's smile reappeared with the arrival of the Beobachter and throughout extended chats with assorted club officials and coaches.The Beobachter, by the way, had to pay for his pre-match coffee. JCFC was left wondering whether Herr Bauer was simply a very nice chap or out to gain maximum marks, both seeming possible when the visitors failed to answer his summons to take the field, but ultimately it mattered not a jot, as he went on to referee the match splendidly.
Before the match JCFC had thought it pessimistic that the scoreboard gave the score as 0-1. This was changed in time for the (5 minutes late because of Idar-Oberstein) start. Had they but waited eleven minutes,it would have been accurate as the visitors converted a penalty. For the rest of the half Pfeddersheim did most of the attacking, but were denied by good saves, blocks, the frame of the goal, a bad miss by their striker when clear and a missing inch on an attacker's jump to nod in a cross. In desperation there was even a dive, but Herr Bauer was not fooled. There was one caution in the half, the visiting number 16 not retreating at a free-kick.
There is no evidence that the visiting number 22 was called Moses, but a minute after the resumption the Red Sea of the Pfeddersheim defence parted before him and he finished well. On 50 minutes a high foot brought a yellow card for the home number 13 and a free-kick, which Idar-Oberstein fired home for their third. There was a yellow card for the visiting number 22 for a triple holding offence on the excellent home 20, with Herr Bauer splendidly in to forestall any possible retaliation. One further yellow went to the visiting number 5 as the match drew to a peaceful conclusion.
Neither assistant switched hands; AR2, the referee's younger brother?,did contribute a couple of flags for fouls, AR1 should perhaps have done so once or twice. Herr Bauer took his personal qualities onto the pitch, communicating in a way not always apparent in Germany. He was quick to indicate no foul in the early stages,employing a shoulder-high beckoning gesture, and showed first-rate triage throughout. His movement was good, if not quite on a par with Herr Kimmeyer's the previous evening and his whistle tone was varied appropriately. An excellent display and a worthy addition to the ranks of the Toms. Mr Kirk's number 3 position might be under threat. If this match was typical of his refereeing, it is hard to fathom why Herr Bauer has not yet progressed to the Regionalliga and beyond."
And at last he has!
Post by: JCFC on Mon 19 Oct 2020 19:31
In the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgarter Kickers scored a deliberate own goal, having themselves just scored after they had failed to return possession to FC Nöttingen, who had put the ball out for treatment to an injured player.
In the Oberliga Westfalen, an attacker of Eintracht Rheine informed the referee that he had "scored" what would have been an equaliser against AC Dortmund with his hand, it being therefore disallowed.
Post by: Ref Watcher on Wed 21 Oct 2020 11:14
In the Oberliga Westfalen, an attacker of Eintracht Rheine informed the referee that he had "scored" what would have been an equaliser against AC Dortmund with his hand, it being therefore disallowed.I don't know whether I am more surprised about the player's honesty or the fact that he knew the Laws.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 15 Feb 2021 13:10
In 2002 to celebrate the centenary of the Norwegian FA, a set of postage stamps was issued. One was to feature the then prominent referee, Lars Johan Hammer. Unfortunately, when the image was sent to him for approval, he did not look carefully enough, as the referee in the photo was not him, but a lower-league official from Brandeburg in Germany, Peter Hertel. He had been involved in the Norway Cup and somehow the photos had become confused. As a result, the Norwegian centenary was celebrated with a referee wearing a Brandenburg badge.
As a result Herr Hertel enjoyed a spell of "fame" with TV interviews and appearances at stamp-collecting conventions. He is still active, or was until the lockdown, having been a referee for 40 years.
Post by: guest42 on Mon 15 Feb 2021 13:27
The Fussball.de website is currently running an interesting story, which was new to me. Apologies if everyone already knew of it.
In 2002 to celebrate the centenary of the Norwegian FA, a set of postage stamps was issued. One was to feature the then prominent referee, Lars Johan Hammer. Unfortunately, when the image was sent to him for approval, he did not look carefully enough, as the referee in the photo was not him, but a lower-league official from Brandeburg in Germany, Peter Hertel. He had been involved in the Norway Cup and somehow the photos had become confused. As a result, the Norwegian centenary was celebrated with a referee wearing a Brandenburg badge.
As a result Herr Hertel enjoyed a spell of "fame" with TV interviews and appearances at stamp-collecting conventions. He is still active, or was until the lockdown, having been a referee for 40 years.
I know both Peter and Lars very well - having worked with both at the Norway Cup.
Lars (on the right alongside ex-Tippeligaen Referee Svein-Erik Edvartsen):
(https://www.morenytt.no/incoming/article19610533.ece/ob70ig/ALTERNATES/w980-default/dommar.jpeg)
Peter:
(https://www.dfb.de/fileadmin/_processed_/202102/csm_234610-Hertel_FB.DE_9d394aed8f.png)
Post by: JCFC on Wed 19 May 2021 11:37
Should Felix Brych have a match, it will be his 300th in the Bundesliga. Given that he is only two seasons short of retirement age, it seems perhaps unlikely that he will be able to surpass Wolfgang Stark's total of 344, though without International appointments it may be just possible.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 03 Jun 2021 16:58
There are two promotions to the Bundesliga: Dr Matthias Jöllenbeck (34) from Freiburg and Tobias Reichel (35) from Stuttgart.
Their places in the 2. Bundesliga are taken by Robin Braun (25) from Wuppertal and Florian Lechner (30) from Hornstorf. Patrick Hanslbauer (30) will continue to receive occasional appointments in this division, as will this season Franz Bokop (31) and Dr Max Burda (31).
In addition to the two promoted officials, Messrs Braun and Lechner, three others will leave the 3. Liga list to become assistants: Jonas Weickenmeier (32) to replace Häcker in the Bundesliga, and Tobias Fritsch (30) representing Baden and Asmir Osmanagic (29) from Stuttgart.
As previously, there seems to be a strong correlation between departures and those promoted to the 3. Liga. Four federations have a straight replacement:
Mario Hildenbrand (25) from Wertheim representing Baden replaces Jõllenbeck, Marc Philip Eckermann (24) from Winnend takes Osmangic's place representing Württemberg, Nico Fuchs (26) from Odenthal takes over from Braun representing Niederrhein and Christian Ballweg (25) from Zwingenberg from Weickenmeier for Hessen. The one exception is in the North-East region, where Lechner, from the North, is replaced by Richard Hempel (23) from Großnaundorf, in Saxony in the South.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 14 Nov 2021 15:24
Post by: nemesis on Sun 14 Nov 2021 21:16
For more than 20 years, at the start of each season, I have bought the Kicker Bundesliga Sonderheft, often in Germany, but occasionally online. This year travel to Germany is still tricky and attempts to buy online have failed, as it has proved impossible to input GB as my home country. I therefore conacted Kicker by email, receiving the reply that they could not help me, as sales to Britain had been discontinued - BECAUSE OF BREXIT! Perhaps Boris might nip over to pick up a copy for me - or maybe not.
Any help ?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kicker-Sonderheft-Bundesliga-2021-2022-German-football-season-preview-magazine-/203661220012?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=EAIaIQobChMIy9K8-OKY9AIVE-ztCh2RcA_4EAQYASABEgJ0HvD_BwE
Post by: JCFC on Sun 14 Nov 2021 21:45
Post by: jad on Mon 15 Nov 2021 14:12
Post by: JCFC on Tue 17 Jan 2023 16:55
Post by: bmb on Tue 17 Jan 2023 19:07
Marco Fritz has retired from Germany;s FIFA Referees List, having reached the age of 45. His place is taken by Robert Schröder, at the advanced age (for Germany) of 37. In December 2012 I saw him in the Regionalliga Nord twice in two days - Friday night and Saturday afternoon. He struck me then as one of the better referees seen at that level, but even so, this promotion comes as a slight surprise.
Anthony Taylor is 44 and 45 this Autumn. I presume this means that as of this time next year he'll be off the FIFA list?
He's likely to get at least one if not 2 +1 year(s)
I think the Bundesliga they have to retire after x seasons, they always used to at least, so I am sure someone will know the up to date on that.
Post by: JCFC on Tue 17 Jan 2023 19:20
It was in Italy where non-FIFA referees used to be - and possibly still are - limited to 10 seasons in Serie A.
Post by: jad on Mon 23 Jan 2023 14:16
Post by: JCFC on Tue 13 Jun 2023 17:11
Benjamin Cortus (41) has been removed from the Bundesliga list after 75 matches in 7 seasons, but will continue as a Video Assistent.
His place is taken by Timo Gerach (36) from Landau, who on the one occasion I saw him was OK, but not special.
Elsewhere there was some good news: The excellent Tom Bauer was one of three referees promoted to the 2. Bundesliga, the others being Patrick Schwengers and the previously unheard of (in this quarter, at least) Richard Hempel.
To add to the good news, Felix Weller is one of eight referees promoted to the 3. Liga. He will be joined there by Daniel Bartnitzki, Leonidas Exuzidis, Timon Oliver Schulz, Felix Prigan, Jarno Wienefeld and Tobias Wittmann and one "Schiedsrichterin", Fabienne Michel.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 06 Dec 2023 15:37
It has been announced that from the 2024/5 season he will be replacing Lutz-Michael Fröhlich as the German referee supremo.
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 06 Dec 2023 17:00
Several years ago babyref (is that the same person as the current BabyRef?) asked what had become of Knut Kircher. He was still active at the time, retiring in 2016.
It has been announced that from the 2024/5 season he will be replacing Lutz-Michael Fröhlich as the German referee supremo.
babyref surely toddlerref by now ?
Post by: Conkernut on Thu 07 Dec 2023 08:47
Several years ago babyref (is that the same person as the current BabyRef?) asked what had become of Knut Kircher. He was still active at the time, retiring in 2016.
It has been announced that from the 2024/5 season he will be replacing Lutz-Michael Fröhlich as the German referee supremo.
babyref surely toddlerref by now ?
Or maybe even moodyteenagerref :-[
Post by: Boris10 on Thu 07 Dec 2023 11:05
-very interesting[with sub-titles,so others apart from JCFC can understand!].