Groundhopping24

Last week, I received one of the more romantic email propositions I’d received from anyone, let alone a Czech football club. Picture the scene: your relationship is going down the pan, and you need to salvage something from it. What could be better than a stadium tour of the famous CFIG Arena of 4,200 seats? Though recently renovated, Pardubice’s current ground does have history dating back to the 1930s, even if the club itself has limited history of only 16 years. The arena has hosted all manner of sports, from speedway to athletics, as well as of course football. They moved back into the CFIG Arena at the start of last year, and enjoyed a surprise 2-0 victory over Slavia Praha. There probably aren’t too many better ways to return home, having spent many years in the wilderness, ground sharing with Bohemians since promotion to the First League in 2020. Not only was this another stadium, but it was some hour and a half away in the Czech capital.  They were only formed in 2008 as a ...

Before I start this blog, I should first add the disclaimer that this has nothing to do with Alex Trebek. Although the theme of ‘it’s good but it’s not quite right’ is perhaps accurate. Okay, I know that’s Catchphrase, but do hear me out in any case. I’ve never actually watched Jeopardy. Say the word Benfica, and a lot of thoughts probably spring to mind for avid fans of the game. The Estadio da Luz, which sits on every footballing bucket list, is probably the first thing that comes to the forefront, and it has to be said that it’s a magnificent place to watch a game. During a particularly and annoyingly early Spring Break, I opted to visit myself as the Portuguese giants took on Gil Vicente, based in Barcelos in the country’s far north. Having been playing as Casa Pia on Football Manager 24, I’ve gained a growing appreciation for the Portuguese game in recent months.           The visit was actually with the intention of seeing my beloved Geese , who also ...