#This is about Alex and willie but I was robbed of a second season with all the characters
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I was robbed of a second season with gay ghosts and frankly I’m angry about it
#This is about Julie and the phantoms btw#I’ve been rewatching it all afternoon#This is about Alex and willie but I was robbed of a second season with all the characters#And we as a society deserved better#jatp#julie and the phantoms
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im rewatching jatp instead of studying for the 3 tests i have tomorrow and i thought i would share my thoughts and reactions with each episode so enjoy!!....
wake up
- hearing the “1, 2, 3″ at the start of the episode gives me more serotonin than my antidepressants ever will
- julie’s slippers...that’s it...that’s the thought
- that dry ass pasta the molina’s are eating for dinner??? someone needs to give my man ray some cooking tips or a cookbook... something
-the looks the boys give julie when she says it was an OLD cd she found. as if they could be old??
-the entire julie and luke kitchen scene i mean there are no words to describe how much i am in love with scene. the banter, the flirting, luke giving this girl he literally just met an actual PIECE OF HIS SOUL so she can get music back into her life. not a single time have i watched that scene and not felt my heart literally grow cause of how cute they are.
-the entire scene when julie is singing wake up. that scene is what made me literally CRAVE watching the other episodes. like of course i was going to watch them cause i wasn’t gonna just stop watching a show after one episode, and yes the show was good already but seeing the lighting and her voice, and just everything about the scene,,,,*chef’s kiss*
bright
-flynn drinking seven sodas....SEVEN??? i would be throwing up if i drank more than like 2 and she drank seven,,,no ma’am.
- flynn and her trumpet. talented queen
- “ i wouldn’t have given you the song if i didnt think you were gonna rock it.” lmaooo im crying:)
- i start tearing up every time julie goes to play the first notes of bright,,, and then i’m full on bawling when the guys come in and play with her cause...they weren’t playing to be seen they were playing to be there for her and play to comfort her. pls i love them<3
- nick vibing in the front row
- the tech guy deserves so much more praise
flying solo
- reggie’s little butt shake or whatever you wanna call it!!
- julie’s little laugh when she yells at the guys to stop it
- “and we’re on the runway again” GENUINELY one of my favorite lines of the whole show pls i love luke’s humor
-this is the first time i noticed this but reggie’s face after alex says “DONT TELL ME HOW TO GHOST!”
-WILLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU<3333333
-the slow mo helmet take off,,,,me too alex me too
-willie’s little giggles:))))
- “oh-oh!”
- “no clue” alex i love you baby<3
- next season better give us a scene of flynn throwing eggs at someone’s house because i think it’s safe to say we were robbed of that experience.
- the flying solo performance is just amazing
i got the music
- just the whole opening scene is so cute ....the dancing, singing, happiness RADIATING from julie
-nick in an all white suit and fedora
-WILLEX MUSEUM DATE YEAH BABYYYYY
- carefree skateboarder bf and anxiety ridden drummer bf
- yelling. in. museums.
-alex thinking he’s literally dying again because of the salt... zero braincells in this band.
- another scene we were robbed of that i need to see in season 2...reggie singing “home is where my horse is” while alex and julie sit patiently and attentively listen to him but luke looks like he’s about to commit murder
- i get SO MUCH second hand embarrassment for julie when she looks through luke’s songbook and says “ wow luke I didn’t know you were such a romantic” julie baby i love you but...eekkkkk
- “he looks like a substitute teacher”- where did he come up with that like so many other things he could be compared to but a substitute teacher??
- “luke introduced you to rock” heck yeah it did.. literal soulmates
- would like to see a picture of the raccoon in Flynn’s backyard
- wee woo wee woo police sirens://///
- julie’s outfit ughhhh i love it
- the poster that im pretty sure says “sexiest role” behind caleb... why was that necessary
the other side of hollywood
- THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE OF THE OTHER SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD
- i lose my absolute shit over this song omg literal chills
- the cape grab i cannot physically do this rn
- willie being so excited the entire performance and looking over to see alex’s reaction
- reggie being in awe everytime one of the girls performing does something.. me too reggie
-”well i wouldn't really call it mAAgiCcCC bUT”
- nick and his fedora again
- alex has a crush, alex has a crush on.....WILLIE
-the boys eating food for the first time in 25 years is honestly so realistic
-alex shoving a whole slice of pizza in his mouth
- lukes ‘OH MY GODDDDD’
- reggie kissing his meatball sub that looks painfully dry but also delicious
- the continuation of the other side of hollywood performance and everyone dancing
-reggie imitating caleb’s evil laugh and owen trying so hard not to break
-me getting mad at the boys for not showing up for julie and being sad with her but at the same time i’m obviously not mad at the boys just...disappointed?? idk
finally free
- how did julie get to the school if she missed the first three classes?? wasn’t she still at flynn’s house from the night before cause she slept over so did she walk to school or was she just sitting in flynn’s house by herself and one of flynn’s parents was like you gonna go to school or???
-dance class with nicky poo<3
-reggie fixing his amp in the rain
-julie’s blue dress outfit in this episode is my ABSOLUTE favorite
- the birthday candle scene makes me sob like a little baby,,,and rightfully so
- julie smart, smart to be taking calculus as what a sophomore??
- all eyes on me yes queen iconic
- alex dancing is how i dance in my brain whenever the song comes on
- finally free as a song is NEVER given enough credit and why not?? it’s my favorite song they do as a band AND the madison’s vocals and the echoing part omg i loveeeee
- and the whole performance with luke’s heart eyes. i count this performance as the moment luke like fell in love with julie...like full on just blown away with how much awe and admiration he has for her in that moment and all the time.
- julie and luke singing “and you’re a part of me” while staring directly into each others soul,,,yeah that’s love kids
edge of great
- carlos being the ghost hunter he is and tía being done with him
- luke’s pouting face
- reggie and ray making breakfast together is so wholesome. reggie really loves and seeks comfort in ray and i love that
- luke just waiting next to julie’s locker and his little “hey”
- the first time i watch this scene i thought charlie was from new york cause of the way he says “ i can't do this without you” and then i watched the cast interviews and just realized he is somewhat joey tribbiani
- jealous luke hehehehehhehehe
- “well dont you look shARrP”- yes he does luke thank you very much
- “uh oh i think someone has a crush on julie” yeah you do you little shit,,, now admit it to her
- the proud look on luke’s face when he realizes julie is still paying attention to HIM even though she’s supposed to be having a full on conversation with nick
- the shoulder push ( as someone who has had their own shoulder pushed in the middle of a high school hallway as a weird way of flirting,,,,i can definitely somewhat attest to how luke is feeling in that moment and i too continued to flirt with the person who shoulder shoved me while we were still standing in the hallway)
- the flow from whatever the hell dance nick and julie are doing and the perfect harmony dance is so special to me and i love it
-ADOANCLOBNAOVBCOAB THE HAIR PLSSSSS
- EVERYTIME THE SCENE COMES ON AND I SEE HIM WALKING THROUGH THE MIRROR I HAVE TO PAUSE THE SHOW FOR LIKE 10 MINUTES WHILE I DIE LAUGHING BECAUSE THE HAIR IS SO BAD EVEN THOUGH I SHOULD BE USED TO HOW IT LOOKS AFTER WATCHING THIS SHOW LITERALLY 30 TIMES
- i think people see my username and assume i like his hair in this scene but...ummm fun little fact i do not like it
- the dance is so good though ugh my babies
- the hair
- madison is gorgeous
- another season 2 scene i need: julie teaching this dance to luke and they perform it in front of alex and reggie so they can see luke roll on the floor like that
-the hair
- the lift i loveeee
- the voices at the end of the song *chef’s kiss*
- the way julie spins out from luke and into nick omg so good
- “thAnKs pArTnER”
- luke denying his feelings for julie,,,babe pls
- the whole edge of great performance is so good and beautiful and the colors are SPECTACULAR
-julie avoiding luke’s gaze lolz
- can't believe my mans really tried to deny he didn’t have feelings for julie like 5 hours earlier even though he’s getting upset because she hasn’t looked at him in 2 minutes
- THE. GUITAR. RIFF. SOLO.
- when i finally learn how to play the electric guitar well enough to learn the guitar solo... it’s over for everyone
-nick just came to watch the girl he likes perform not watch her flirt with a hologram plssss can we give this man a break next season.
- “we have to say goodbye to julie”- that’s literally more important to luke than not playing music anymore because julie is music to him now
unsaid emily
-already crying and the episode hasn't even started
-willex in the orpheum
- alex literally being OVER reggie
- nope too emotionally unstable to watch this scene right now
- my therapist will be hearing about this tomorrow
- show us the baby picture of luke cowards
- this is such a beautiful song that makes me cry every fucking time gosh damn it
- everytime i watch the flashback scene of luke on his bike i think of “christmas song” by phoebe bridges and i cry even more
- i tried to learn how to play this song on my electric guitar (because i dont have an acoustic guitar) and i ended up crying half way through so i do not think i will be playing it anytime soon:/
- the harmonies *chef’s kiss*
- THE POLICE LIGHTS ....i cry
- FAT tears rolling down my face
- there's literally not a moment i don’t cry during this episode
- interesting little relationship :0
- when i played percussion in 7th grade i used to lay down on the couch in the practice room at school ( which god knows what people did on that couch...ew) and stick my drumsticks up my nose too,,,, just another similarity between alex and i
stand tall
- willie really drove a bus 200 miles into the desert for his crush
- WILLEX HUG
- i love willie no last name so much,,,i just wanna hold and protect him
- alex’s ballerina dance
-julie’s overall outfit i love<3
- “im swimming”
- the way carlos hangs up the iPad on tía makes me CRACK UP he’s just lmao bye girl
- another julie outfit i love
- “anything julie. you know that.” AHHHHHAASIDSJFPACISN love bitches
- the suits
- luke’s hair in this episode is so much better than the perfect harmony hair pls
- YOU GOT NOTHING TO LOSE
- the way luke looks so restricted and confined in his suit... but at the same time he looks like a 10 week old puppy
-luke’s AGGRESSIVE but small foot tapping leading up to being on the stage
- the solos:)))))
- crying again over julie’s monologue to her mom
- julie really was brave enough to be ready to perform by herself
-the way Trevor looks at carrie when she says “been here before”
-ALEXXXXXX
-REGGIEEEEE
-luuukkKKKEEEEEEE
- this performance makes me cry
- especially the first time when i saw luke flickering...sobs
- he finally looks free in his suit:))
- alex’s solo is so pretty i love him
- reggie’s solo too
- nick just straight up vibing the entire performance
- alex and luke holding hands...hehehe cute besties
- “thank you, guys” NO THANK YOU
- the way julie begs for them to do something about the jolts for HER cause she knows luke would never say no to her
- “no music is worth making, julie, if we’re not making it with you,” I JUST SCREAMED AND IM PRETTY SURE I WOKE UP MY ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD...whoops
- going back to that line i could say so much about it but....for someone who’s life was literally MUSIC for the 17 years he was alive, and after finding out he could play music again even though he was dead and saying it made him feel alive, he would give that up- he would give up playing his guitar, playing in a band with his friends, give up writing and singing music- if he wasn’t doing that with julie. that’s more than saying i love you,,,that’s literally like saying i’d give up my ENTIRE LIFE and what i love to do if i dont get to do it with you
- i just made myself cry with that description...wow
-the hug<3
-also imagine how luke felt in that moment,,, hearing this girl, once again that he would give his life up for, saying in his ear that she loves them. i would motherfucking glow too, luke
- *passionately but gently holds each others faces*
-HANDS OFF MY BABY NICK, CALEB
- caleb’s outfit is....something
- the head turn plssss
this was so long and i am so sorry but if you read this far.....leave some of your own reactions or thoughts:)))
k goodnight im gonna, ugh, finally go study ://
#julie and the phantoms#jatp#julie molina#alex mercer#luke patterson#reggie peters#willie#flynn jatp#nick jatp#carrie wilson#renew jatp#netflix PLEASE we are begging give us a season 2
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Julie And The Phantoms - “The Other Side Of Hollywood” rewatch
Okay, so, since the Fantoms around the world are doing a rewatch of the series today, I’ve got the episodes playing while I’m doing some of my freelance work, so I thought I’d jot down random thoughts while watching the episodes and contribute, even if I’m not liveblogging the whole thing. (Episode 1 is here. And Episode 2. And Episode 3. Episode 4.)
I’ll admit this one is probably my least favorite episode of the show. I think it’s because so much of the focus is actually on Caleb trying to recruit the boys. I just want to watch Julie and her friends make music, but obviously, there’s got to be some conflict.
The set for the Hollywood Ghost Club is fantastic though. I’d imagine we’d have gotten to spend more time there in the second season.
The color coding of the ghosts and lifers in the club though does leave me with some questions. The ghosts are all supposed to be in color, but... Willie is wearing black and shades of grey, right? Why didn’t they put him in color? Is he supposed to be blending in with the living at the club? Are the other dancers in black and white in the reprise of the song also ghosts blending in with the lifer crowd? Or lifers that know the dance by now? Or is there some other meaning to ghosts not being in color?
Cheyenne Jackson needs to play all of the theatrical villains. Just. All of them. He’s so good.
Is Reggie a fan of magic? Magicians? Why does he know who Caleb is? And also, is Caleb so strong because he had real magic before death? Again, so many questions. It’s not clear what Caleb gains from getting both ghosts and lifers to join his club. Clearly, power, but how?
Flynn taking control of the direction of Julie and the Phantoms makes me think she would be campaigning to get their show renewed in real life. She’d be on top of everything,
Reggie being kept in the dark about modern Star Wars is so cute. They just wanted to protect him from spoilers. I’d just like to point out though, if Disney picked up the show for another season, they could actually show Reggie watching the movies/shows/etc. without Netflix having to pay to use it.
I don’t ever want to see someone kissing their food though.
Reggie perfectly imitating Caleb’s laugh is just evidence of Jeremy Shada’s voice over experience.
Poor Willie. He just wanted to help out the guy he likes and make new friends, and Caleb robs him of that.
Also, poor Julie getting stood up by her band.
Who has a school dance and a sleepover in the middle of the week though? Parents did not write this episode it seems. Also, what school gives the student DJing the dance the keys to everything? Where are the chaperones? Any activity on school grounds typically has to have a staff member/club sponsor present. Or has high school changed that much since I went to school?
When Julie is yelling at all of them, it’s nice that Luke is the one in the front taking the brunt of it. We see that she largely blames him after this episode, but it’s a nice nod to them having a connection before she becomes friends with Alex and Reggie.
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All of those songs are incredible, honestly it was hard for me to choose one either. Wake up is another one of my favourites, they are all just so incredible and honestly it tends to depend on my mood for what I like the most
Same here! I was actual thinking about a Reggie/Julie country duet too, just seeing more of them would be incredible. I think they have an incredible dynamic.
Willex is one of my favourite ships, I just love them so much. Because not only do the actors work well together and it comes across on screen but the characters have such a good bond between each other and I can’t wait to see them expand on it for the second season.
Only one thing? That’s a hard bargain, there are so many things that I would like to see happen. But overall I think I would like to see Willie sing, alongside a willex duet, I just think it would be amazing. It would be really great to see how they develop his character with not only a bit of his backstory but on how his relationship with Alex and his friendship with the band (meeting Julie?) will continue and develop.
That’s kind of two things but I guess to give a firm answer, it would be to see more Willie.
I would love for them to develop Willie character and for us to get to know more about him because he is an important part of the story. Especially with saving the boys and everything so learning more about him, like why did he join Caleb, what did Caleb offer him and overall put a veil over Willie’s eyes as to what the club is actually about, would be great to learn about.
Sorry for rambling lol, if you could make sure that there was one thing in season 2, what would it be and why?
hi! sorry it took me so long to respond.
i would love to see more about willie! i especially think that we should see what you said about him and caleb (but it would be nice to see more willex too).
i know i’m the one who asked the question, but it’s definitely making me think. i would really love to see more willie/more willex, like you said, but i would also love to learn more about the boys in the 90s and more about julie and her family before her mom passed away. i feel like those are two important parts of the story that we never really got to see in season one, and i feel like it would help make some things make more sense (i’d also like to see more bobby, since we were definitely robbed of him).
another thing i would like to see in season two (this one just slightly less so than the previous one) is a carrie redemption arc, or at least some sort of explanation of what happened between carrie, flynn, and julie to make them dislike each other so much. i feel like it would be helpful to know all sides of her story.
so yeah! i think those would be pretty cool to see in season two. what’s your favorite part of season one?
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He’s Home - William Nylander
Request: Nope
A/N: I finally wrote something??? Wow??? Is this a sign?? Probably not, idk. But yes here you goooooo!
Warnings: swearing, nothing much more.
It’s kinda funny, but Willy’s phone buzzes with a notification from Twitter.
TSN Hockey @TSNHockey
BREAKING: The #MapleLeafs have signed F William Nylander to a six-year, $41.4M contract and he will play this season. #NHL #NylanderWatch #TSNHockey
Willy laughs, shaking his head, as the texts start to pour in.
A Matts 14:02
Fina fucking lly
Mitchy 14:02
YESSSSS BOI
Kappy 14:03
why do u have to b such a dramatic bitch
Willy takes his time replying to the messages. He’s waiting for one in particular, but as the minutes go by and he doesn’t see your name in his notifications, his frown deepens.
It’s fine, she’s probably busy right now, he tells himself.
“Going home” is the caption Willy finally settles on. It’s short and sweet and to the point, he thinks, as he uploads the black and white image of his leafs gear bag to Instagram.
Again, there’s a swarm of comments and likes and DMs.
(There’s many DMs from girls)
But nothing from you.
Willy bites his lip, and huffs.
“Will! We gotta go, the car’s here!” His youngest sister yells from outside the house, and he snaps out of his head space.
“You're way too excited to get rid of me, huh?” He runs his hand through her hair, and picks up his bag.
“I will miss you but I miss watching you score, Willy.” She says, her face scrunched up, and he laughs.
“I’ll get right on that, then.”
“The prodigal son returns!” Kappy declares, and it reverbs in the mostly empty Pearson Airport parking lot. Willy laughs and slaps his hand against Kappy’s, pulling him into a hug.
“Missed ya buddy,”
“Missed you too. C’mon, let’s get going.” Kappy says, and soon they’re pulling out of the parking lot.
Kappy’s chattering keeps Willy’s mind off of you, but not for long. The car they’re in passes a very familiar neighbourhood and it jolts Willy.
“So Freddie is like, ready to suplex the entire D core into the ice -- ”
“Stop! Stop stop -- stop the car! Pull over there!” Willy yells, and Kappy, bless his heart, does exactly what he asks for although extremely bewildered. Willy all but jumps out of the car and dashes into the apartment complex.
“Dude what the fuck?” Kappy asks, catching up to him as the lift doors close. Willy jabs the button for the 3rd floor. “Can’t explain now,” he says, tapping his foot against the floor of the elevator as Kappy eyes him weirdly.
The doors open, and muscle memory basically drags Willy to the white door with a lopsided gold number 6. He raps on the door, and then thinking twice, covers the peephole with his hand.
Just in case.
“Are we robbing someone?” Kappy whispers, and Willy has to do a double-take. “What the f -- yeah, we’re robbing someone, that’s why I fucking knocked --”
The door swings open and the two boys straighten up.
Willy’s thankful he covered the peephole, because the moment you make eye contact with him, the smile on your face drops and you slam the door in his face.
Well. Not exactly the reception he’s been waiting for.
He knocks again.
“Go away!” Your voice comes through, and Willy shakes his head.
“Kappy really has to pee!” he yells back, and said man turns to look at him, eyebrows raised and mouthing several swear words.
The door opens slightly, just enough distance for your face. You raise an eyebrow.
“Yeah dude, Kappy really has to pee and you know how far my house is -- we’re not gonna make it and you know we can’t just go into a mall without getting mobbed. Please?”
You turn to Kappy, who slowly nods. “Yes, please let me in before I...pee myself.” He says to you, face devoid of any and all emotion.
You sigh, covering your face with your hand, and open your door fully. Kappy utters a quick thank you and enters, and you point him in the direction of your bathroom. Willy steps in, shutting the door behind him.
There’s an awkward silence that fills the room once Kappy leaves. You turn, about to retreat into the kitchen when Willy speaks up.
“So, I’m back! In case you didn’t notice, haha.” You level him with a stare and he stops smiling. Rolling your eyes, you turn away to go back to your work.
“Babe come on, say something?” Willy says, and you face him, arms crossed.
“Say what, Willy? You made your feelings very, very fucking clear when you told me I was ‘not that important right now’ a week ago, remember?” You shoot back, venom in your voice, and he winces.
“Okay in my defense I was worried about the whole signing thing, okay? And I just had a lot on my plate --” Willy starts, running his hand through his hair when you cut in.
“I don’t care. I think it’s because you’re not that important to me right now.” You reply, and his eyes widen. It’s a second before he gets the reference, before he sees your point, but in that moment hearing you say he wasn’t important crushed him. And he gets it.
He reaches forward and touches your arms. You move to turn away, but he just steps towards you and holds you.
“Hey,” He starts, his voice quiet. “Hey, just look at me, yeah babe?”
His soft voice, him calling you babe, him being here after months and months of not seeing him -- its all too much. Fuck, you missed him so fucking much and to think, if this was happening just a week ago, you’d both be all over each other and over the moon. Except you’d called him and he’d been so curt. And when you started needling he’d just snapped. Fuck. Your eyes start tearing and you start crying, shoulders shaking.
“Babe, babe, babe, fuck c’mere,” Willy soothes, pulling you into him and you go, all the fight in you gone. He tucks your head under his chin and holds you tight. “I’m so fucking sorry, okay? I’m so fucking sorry I spoke to you like that. I just -- there was so much going on and I was just so fucking scared and nervous and done and you asked me when I was coming back and -- I don’t know, I just lost it. I’m so sorry you had to hear that. I’m so sorry I spoke to you like that. I love you, okay? I really do. And you’re always, always gonna be important to me, I swear.” Willy presses a kiss to the top of your head, and you nod.
You pull away from him, and he wipes your tears off your face. You finally take a good look at him - his hair’s longer than you remember, his face is scruffy, but his eyes still have that look in them that you know is just for you.
“I missed you, you fucking asshole,” You say, smiling, and he laughs.
“I missed you too, babe.” He says, bringing a hand up to caress your cheek. Impatient, you tip toe and lean in, pressing your lips to his. Holding your face, Willy presses into you, deepening the kiss, and you throw your arms around him. You’d missed this so much, you’d missed him, and nothing was going to take him away from you for a long while and that thought --
“Are you fucking with me right now?”
You jolt away from Willy, who still chases your lips until you shove him away. He groans.
“I’m done fake-peeing! You’re welcome, by the way,” Kappy shoots at Willy, and then turns to you. “Hi, you look like a really sweet and wonderful girl. Can you tell me what the fuck! Is going on!” He half-yells, and you open your mouth ready to...you’re not even sure what, but Willy steps in.
“Kappy...this is Y/N. She’s my girlfriend.”
“You...have a girlfriend...and why have I literally never heard of any of this?” Kappy asks, eyes wide, and Willy looks at you. You shrug, smiling.
“Because it’s new -- ”
“How new?”
“We met 2 months before I left for Sweden, dude.”
“Holy shit, that’s new.”
“Yeah,” Willy says in a ‘duh’ tone that gets a chuckle out of you, before continuing. “That’s why I didn’t say anything about her to anyone. Not even my parents, or Alex -- ”
“Uh -- ” You cut in, and the boys turn to you. “Alex -- your brother -- he, uh, he knows.”
Willy blinks. “What? No he doesn’t, I didn’t tell him anything -- ”
You cover your face with your hands. “I called you once late at night and he picked up cause you were out. And uh -- well. He knew I was...not just a friend.”
Both the boys look confused and you sigh. Fuck. “I may or may not have said some really inappropriate things the moment he picked up, okay?”
Kappy bursts out laughing, and Willy’s eyes are wide. “I was horrified and I told him not to tell you. Can we just -- can we move on?” You say, praying for a sinkhole to open up below you to swallow you up so you wouldn’t have to deal with both of the guys laughing at you.
“Yeah -- wait,” Kappy starts, pausing to laugh a little more, before continuing. “I’m happy for you, both of you. But holy shit, William, if you ever make me wait in a random person’s fucking bathroom “fake-peeing” while you make out with your girlfriend again, I’m going to undo your contract and send you back to Sweden myself.”
#william nylander imagine#william nylander imagines#willy nylander imagines#willy nylander imagine#hockey imagine#hockey imagines#nhl imagine#nhl imagines#toronto maple leafs imagine#my writing
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CQN continues the EXCLUSIVE extracts from author Alex Gordon’s book, ‘That Season In Paradise’, the tribute tome that takes an in-depth look at the thrilling and dramatic 1966/67 campaign when Celtic majestically conquered all in their trademark flamboyant style.
It’s a voyage through the beautiful game that is a must-read for any football fan.
PAIN is a faithful companion. And thousands of Celtic supporters would most assuredly have testified to that solemn sentiment in the dark days of the late fifties and the formative years of the sixties.
Jock Stein marked his magisterial return to Celtic with the 3-2 triumph over Dunfermline following an exhausting Scottish Cup Final on a nerve-wracking afternoon of Saturday April 24 1965 watched by a frantic Hampden audience of 108,800. It was such a crucial breakthrough victory, Stein, in years to come, observed, ‘Things might not have gone so well without that win.’
It was the triumph Bertie Auld insisted was more important than lifting the European Cup in Lisbon two years later. ‘It proved we could win trophies again,’ said the former midfield schemer.
One man, however, who did his utmost to scupper a triumphant comeback for the legendary manager was a robust journeyman centre-forward whose career had begun with Kilmarnock Amateurs and had travelled through the Junior ranks at Shettleston Town and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy before a step up to the seniors with Kilmarnock, Wolves, Luton Town, Partick Thistle and Motherwell. He was born in Govan, two hundred yards from Ibrox stadium, home of Celtic’s historic rivals.
His name was Joe McBride.
And he came extremely close to being the destroyer of Big Jock’s dreams and desires.
Joe McBride was never anyone’s remotest idea of how a typical athlete should be portrayed. He was square-shouldered with a bolted-on neck, the possessor of a solidly-built trunk with sturdy legs and he stood a mere 5ft 8in at a stretch. His meanderings along football’s maze saw him fail to settle at clubs on either side of the border. However, his demeanour and presence masked one indisputable fact; he was a goalscorer. The powerfully-structured character had fired in thirty-one goals in fifty-nine appearances during his two years at Firhill before moving to Motherwell in 1962 for a modest £5,000. By the time he took his place in the Fir Park selection for the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic on the afternoon of March 27 1965, he had notched over half-a-century of goals in three years for the claret-and-amber outfit.
McBride was three months shy of his twenty-seventh birthday and the burly forward, never afraid to mix it in packed penalty areas when the boots were flying, realised he was at the peak of his condition. Although he never hesitated in admitting his affection for the team based in the east end of Glasgow, McBride refused to shirk in his professional task of making life as difficult as possible for Billy McNeill and Co when they were on a collision course.
And that was the case while grey skies gathered and the wind picked up momentum as Jock Stein took charge of Celtic in a Scottish Cup-tie for the first time. Clearly, it was his most important game after returning from Hibs earlier in the month. Remarkably, he had already guided the Edinburgh side to a 1-0 win over holders Rangers in the previous round of the competition. On that same day, Celtic, managed for the last time by Jimmy McGrory, ploughed through the mud at Parkhead to overcome an excellent Kilmarnock side who would go on to win the league title that season on goal average, as it was then, from Hearts.
Forty-eight hours after the 3-2 victory over the Ayrshire team, Jock Stein, on Monday March 8, was installed as Celtic’s new manager with McGrory taking over the post as the Parkhead side’s first Press Relations’ Officer. It’s doubtful, though, if the club’s greatest goalscorer ever got around to preparing a Press Release in his life.
Big Jock watched Bertie Auld, with the assistance of two penalties, score five goals in a 6-0 victory over Airdrie at Broomfield two evenings later. Amazingly, Celtic prepared for their semi-final against Motherwell with three league games against St Johnstone, Dundee and Hibs – and weren’t good enough to be successful in even one of them. Into the bargain, keeper John Fallon had conceded eight goals and the defence had looked far from secure. The Perth Saints won 1-0 in Glasgow, there was a 3-3 stalemate at Dens Park and then Stein’s former team travelled through from Edinburgh and trounced the home side 4-2 on a Monday evening, the game played throughout in driving sleet and rain. Stein, alarmed at the deficiencies in his defence, had dropped Tommy Gemmell after the defeat against St Johnstone and reinstated stalwart Jim Kennedy, who hadn’t played at left-back for two years.
‘Thankfully, it was a return to the drawing board for Big Jock after conceding those seven goals in back-to-back fixtures against Dundee and Hibs,’ recalled Gemmell. ‘He never bothered giving me any reason why I was being left out. I discovered that was Jock’s style over our years together. Possibly, he wanted to bolt the back door because The Pres, as Kennedy was known to everyone at the park, was never going to become famous for crossing the halfway line when he wore the No.3 shorts. He used to joke he would get a nosebleed if he ever ventured into our opponents’ half. I realised the new manager actively encouraged his players to get forward, but he also made it clear it was our responsibility to be in place whenever the other team was on the offensive. So, without preamble, I was out and The Pres was in. Clearly, I hadn’t made much of an early impression on Big Jock.’
There was a smirr of rain as Celtic arrived at the national stadium an hour-and-a-half before kick-off against Motherwell and Stein, very clearly, realised this was a confrontation he and his team could not even contemplating losing. The league had long been blown before his arrival after a sequence of dreadful results and awful performances and the Scottish Cup presented itself as the solitary opportunity for the team to pick up its first piece of silverware following eight years in a wilderness of embarrassment and torment for the support.
After a mere four games in the Celtic dug-out, an encounter of gargantuan proportions had presented itself to Stein, who realised he had to prove equal to the task of navigating the team to a place in the Scottish Cup Final. The launch pad to a new era in a proud club’s history was so temptingly near and yet so agonisingly far away. Stein had to get his team selection absolutely spot on or face the consequences against dangerous opponents who were free of any relegation worries and had everything to play for. And they had a centre-forward who knew his way to goal in Joe McBride.
‘I had played against Joe several times before this game, of course’ remembered Billy McNeill. ‘I have to say I never had much pleasure in facing up to him. Joe was like a bull, charging around everywhere. If the ball was in the air, you knew you were about to be dunted. I don’t mean to even infer he was a dirty player, but he was just so strong and courageous; a particularly lethal combination. He was completely single-minded when he went onto that pitch. Joe wasn’t the tallest, but he was spring-heeled and his timing in the air was nigh on immaculate.
‘If my recollection is correct, we had already beaten Motherwell home and away in the league that season and Joe hadn’t managed to get on the scoresheet. That meant I was doing my job because Joe would have been my immediate opponent in both those meetings. But I also realised that would mean absolutely nothing at Hampden in the Cup semi-final. No centre-half could be complacent with a guy such as Joe McBride around. Take your eye off him for a split second and – bang! – your keeper’s in trouble and so is the team.’
As was normal, Stein named his line-up shortly after arriving at the stadium; Tommy Gemmell was in, Jim Kennedy was out. John Hughes – Big Yogi to everyone – was chosen to lead the attack and Charlie Gallagher came into midfield alongside Bertie Auld. Stevie Chalmers made way for Jimmy Johnstone on the right wing.
Gemmell recollected, ‘It was a bit of a relief to get the nod to play against my hometown team and, admittedly, my boyhood favourites. If I had been left out and Celtic had won, there was every chance Big Jock would have gone with the same formation again for the Cup Final. It was imperative I got the chance to show the Boss what I could do on the big occasion. Motherwell weren’t doing particularly well in the league that season, but I knew they still had some excellent players in Bert McCann, Willie Hunter, Pat Delaney and, of course. Joe McBride. We realised we were in for a real fight that afternoon.’
And so it proved. Two goals from the lively, bustling McBride, making life extremely uncomfortable for Billy McNeill, propelled Motherwell to a 2-1 advantage at the interval. The Celtic skipper owned up, ‘The first goal came in the tenth minute and I have to confess it was all down to a moment of hesitation from myself. Once again, though, it showed how deadly Joe McBride could be. I mistimed a clearance as the ball came straight down the middle and that was all Joe needed. He wasn’t the fastest over a distance, but he was quick to anticipate and seize on situations. He could put on a burst that gave him daylight between defenders and the goalkeeper. I looked round to see him gather the ball and go directly towards John Fallon.
‘My heart was in my mouth and I thought he had passed up the opportunity when it appeared our keeper had managed to divert the ball as Joe attempted to slide a shot under his body. As luck would have it, the momentum of the effort kept the ball rolling towards goal and, unfortunately, there was no-one there to get back and boot it to safety. Hands up, it was my mistake.’
It took eighteen excruciating minutes before the bulk of the crowd, fast approaching 60,000 with the arrival of latecomers delayed by the adverse weather conditions, could sigh with relief. Jimmy Johnstone scampered along the right touchline before slinging over a cross which was pushed away by anxious goalkeeper Alan Wylie. The ball dropped to the feet of the unmarked Bobby Lennox who fired it towards the gaping net. Defender Matt Thomson, making a desperate attempt to clear, only succeeded in helping it on its way. All-square – for four minutes, anyway.
The Celtic defence failed to deal with a swirling, awkward corner-kick and, unfortunately, the ball dropped at the feet of the last person Billy McNeill wanted to see left unattended. McBride smashed a vicious left-foot drive at goal which hammered against the chest of the flailing Fallon. His effort broke clear, but once again the penalty-box predator reacted more quickly than anyone else to batter the rebound into the roof of the net.
Jock Stein, sitting in the sunken dug-out, grimaced. It remained that way until referee Archie Webster blew his whistle to bring an eventful and fraught first-half to a halt. There was much work to be done by the new Celtic manager in the next ten minutes as he prepared his players for a rousing second-half.
‘I recall Big Jock actually being quite calm,’ said Bertie Auld. ‘The man had a presence, even back in the early days, and when he spoke it was normally in a matter-of-fact manner. There was no gobbledygook, there was no time for that. He had to get his message across and he never wasted a moment during these interval observations. People have said all sorts of things about the so-called psychology of Big Jock. Call it what you like, but he was shrewd. He instinctively knew when he had to put an arm around a player’s shoulders to give him a wee gee-up. He also knew when it was time to give someone a rollicking. There was little point in him shouting at someone and leaving them without a shred of confidence for the remaining forty-five minutes. He just seemed to know which buttons to press.
‘I’ve said it before and, undoubtedly, I’ll say it again, but the Boss was never interested in winning popularity contests among his players. His ambition was to win football games – and win them well while entertaining our supporters. He wanted his Celtic team to be a blend of winners. If you didn’t match up, you were out the door. It really was as simple as that. So, you can be sure he would have got us pumped up for that second-half against Motherwell.
‘He was also the master of saying something devastatingly simple just as the bell went to let you know your presence was required in the tunnel. As you prepared to go out again, he would offer, “We’ve got forty-five minutes to score just one goal. You lot should be able to score three or four in that time against this lot.” Or. “One goal will change this game. Watch them try to come back after that. They’ll throw in the towel.” He always managed to inject confidence into his players. By the time the referee restarted the game, our sleeves were rolled up and we were ready to go.’
It took Celtic until the hour mark to get the required equaliser and it was Auld, who had just returned to his spiritual home from Birmingham City two months before Stein’s comeback, who seized the opportunity to keep the plan on track. The clever, astute playmaker had started his senior career at Parkhead as an outside-left where, by his own admission, his sole job was ‘to get down the wing and deliver crosses into the box’.
However, during his four-year spell in the English top-flight, Auld was encouraged to come inside by his manager Gil Merrick. ‘Suddenly, things were opening up for me,’ said Auld. ‘I could switch play from left to right, I could play balls to feet and take return passes in dangerous areas. I’ve no doubt my stint across the border enhanced my game. I think Celtic got a better player when they bought me than the one they sold. And they made a £3,000 profit!’
Auld’s experiences as a touchline operator worked for him when he decided to venture inside. He had an electrifying burst of pace to get away from flat-footed defenders and he demonstrated that skill against Motherwell on that fateful afternoon at the national stadium. Celtic had dominated in the first fifteen minutes of the turnaround with Billy McNeill showing signs of things to come by menacing Alan Wylie on two occasions with his aerial ability at corner-kicks. The Fir Park side survived until Auld took a touch and sped away from three startled opponents. Defender Cameron Murray was late with a crude challenge and Auld went sprawling in the penalty box. The match official, who had earlier enraged the Celtic following by waving away their howls of appeals after Jimmy Johnstone had been decked in similar circumstances, had no hesitation, though, on this occasion to point to the spot.
‘After hitting two against Airdrie a few games earlier, I was the designated penalty-taker,’ said Auld. ‘I was happy to take the responsibility and I was always certain I could score from twelve yards. If you can’t hit the target from that range, you’re in the wrong game. I realised it was such an important kick. If I missed, it would give Motherwell a helluva boost and goodness only knows what might have transpired. However, if I scored, well, we were on the front foot, weren’t we? I knew there was still something like half-an-hour still to play and, on top of that, we had a fairly stiff wind at our backs.
‘On those occasions, I liked to let the opposing keeper know he had no chance of saving my shot. Gamesmanship, kidology, whatever you choose to label it, but I admit I would get involved if I thought it gave Celtic an edge. I would point to the goalie’s left or right and say, “Hey, keeper, that’s where the ball is going, straight into that corner.” It gave them something else to think about as I began my run up to the ball. I tucked that one away and we didn’t need to look over at Big Jock on the touchline. He wanted a winner and everyone representing the club that day totally agreed. We had Motherwell on the ropes and we were looking for the knock-out punch.
‘I remember cracking a shot past the keeper in the final minute. Wee Jinky Johnstone picked me out with one of his wonderful, inch-perfect crosses and I hit it sweetly. Can you imagine my joy when I saw the effort fly into the net? Can you imagine my annoyance when the referee ruled it out? I was fuming because I knew I was onside. Again, all my years as a winger taught me to always look along the line, to make sure I didn’t drift ahead of the last defender before the ball was delivered. The ref was having none of it. Eventually, we discovered the goal was ruled out because Jinky had been in an offside position when he crossed the ball. I doubt that, too. However, we didn’t have the technology in the sixties that is readily available today. And, back then, that was certainly a good thing for a lot of the match officials who made some dodgy decisions without fear of reprisals or recriminations. Still, being positive, we had a Scottish Cup semi-final replay to look forward to after being out of the competition forty-five minutes earlier.’
‘Keep an eye on McBride,’ was Jock Stein’s final words to Billy McNeill as he filed past his manager on the way out of the Hampden dressing room four days later. The Celtic skipper smiled and reflected, ‘Big Jock rarely wasted his breath with needless remarks. After the way Joe McBride had played against me in the previous encounter, I didn’t really need any reminding to watch him like a hawk.’
As it turned out, the Motherwell attack-leader was starved of service throughout a one-sided affair. Prior to the tie, Stein had talked about how important Jimmy Johnstone would be to his game-plan for the replay and, even in the mid-sixties, he was psyching out his opponents. His opposite number, Bobby Ancell, may well have structured the left-hand side of his team to deal with the menace of the mesmeric winger, but he would have realised he had made an error of judgement as soon as he was handed the Celtic team line-up thirty minutes before the game. There would be no sign of Jimmy Johnstone on the right wing. There would be no sign of Jimmy Johnstone anywhere except in a seat in the stand. Stevie Chalmers wore the No.7 shorts and, although he, too, kicked off his career as an outside-right, utilising his exceptional pace, he wasn’t in the same mould as his diminutive team-mate. Chalmers preferred to come inside and that’s exactly what he did all evening against Motherwell – and to great effect.
With a crowd of 58,959 looking on, Celtic, all power and aggression right from the first whistle, stormed their way to a 3-0 triumph with an opener from the roaming Chalmers, just before the half-hour mark, and two in a six-minute second-half burst from John Hughes and Bobby Lennox.
‘You could say Big Jock worked extremely hard with the players as we prepared for this game,’ said Tommy Gemmell. ‘He took the defenders aside and laid it on the line. The fact that John Fallon had now shipped ten goals in four games was never going to be tolerated by the Boss, who had played all his career as a no-nonsense centre-half. He readily admitted he had never thought twice about hoofing the ball into the stand if he believed the situation warranted it. “No-one ever scored a goal from Row A,” he would often remind us. Big Jock emphasised the need for a clean sheet. “That’s your foundation,” he said constantly. We were getting organised like never before.
‘Jimmy McGrory was a lovely man – too nice to be a football manager, that’s for sure – but he was no tactician. We never saw him in a tracksuit and he never took training. Everything was off the cuff. Jock was changing our outlook and our development. We were beginning to look at the game from different angles. “Use the midfield,” he instructed. “Give the ball to Bertie Auld, Bobby Murdoch and Charlie Gallagher. Let them earn their wages, get them to open up the opposition. It’s their job to pass the ball.” He would drum it into you.
‘Then he would go to the midfield players and work on them. They were told to make themselves available for passes out of defence. In the past, a lot of the players simply raced into an attacking position and the defenders would put their laces through the ball to belt it downfield. Now our team-mates were being told to drop short, collect and carry passes before distribution. Jock would then set to work on the front players such as John Hughes, Stevie Chalmers and Bobby Lennox.
‘He would hammer home the importance of clever, intelligent running and not just haring around for the sake of it. They, too, knew when they had to drop deep to allow room for midfield players to come through and support the attack or even have a pop at goal themselves. It was a simple enough tactic that allowed Bobby Murdoch, in particular, the opportunity to show off his fabulous range of finishing skills.
‘Big Jock went into extra-time with Jinky, but no-one could be too sure how much our wee extrovert took in. He would nod his head at the right times, of course, but even our manager must have known that, more often than not, Jinky would just go out and do what came so naturally to him. You can’t coach the sort of ability Wee Jinky possessed into any individual. The main thing, though, is that each and every player had an idea of what was expected of them within the structure of the team. We knew what to do when we had the ball and, just as importantly, we knew what to do when we didn’t have the ball.
‘And, remember, Big Jock had to figure out our best formation and how to get the best out of his players in the space of five games leading up to the replay. Or, put another way, around seven-and-a-half hours of actual playing time. That he managed to convey his thoughts in such a convincing manner within that time frame is a testimony to the man.’
Motherwell may have been dismantled and dismissed, but Joe McBride remained in Jock Stein’s thoughts. The fourth manager in Celtic’s history had already selected his first transfer target for the club.
First of all, though, there was the Scottish Cup Final meeting with Dunfermline at Scotland’s grey, old football fortress in April 1965. With the greatest of ironies, the two clubs had squared up in the Final of the competition only four years earlier – with Jock Stein in command of the East End Park outfit. The outcome, back then, was an absolute shocker for runaway favourites Celtic. They were held to a goalless draw in the first game and the consensus of opinion was that the Fifers would have been thrashed out of sight if it hadn’t been for their inspired goalkeeper Eddie Connachan, who picked that afternoon to manifest into an uneatable barrier. He had just quit his job as a miner to go full-time in football and, on this showing, proved he had made a sound decision.
Celtic were still enormous favourites to wipe the floor with the East End Park side in the second game. Once again, Connachan would not be denied his only medal in football and two breakaway goals from David Thomson and Charlie Dickson, ironically after a terrible gaffe by Frank Haffey, took the trophy to the Kingdom of Fife. Celtic chairman Robert Kelly, in his guise as Scottish Football Association President, watched as his wife presented the trophy to Dunfermline captain Ron Mailer while his team-mates celebrated. Kelly had done nothing to keep Stein at Parkhead when he let it be known he was prepared to leave his job as reserve team coach.
Billy McNeill, among others, beseeched the Parkhead supremo to keep the innovative young strategist, but Kelly paid little heed to his or anyone else’s pleas. As Stein held aloft the spoils of war, the Celtic chairman, fairly magnanimously, told an SFA colleague, ‘What a friend gets is no loss.’ Five years later, Stein was the Celtic manager and, unlike his predecessor McGrory, made it clear he would not brook any interference in his running of the football side of the club.
Emphatically, on the day of his appointment, he publicly declared, ‘The responsibility for all team matters is down to me; the selection of players, the training, the coaching and how we play. I will make those decisions and no-one else.’
Kelly, though, was a stubborn individual who was highly unlikely to fade into the background. Before one of Stein’s first games, the chairman, as was his wont, entered the dressing room to have his say to the players. After his little sermon, Stein shut the door behind him and said, ‘Right, you can forget all that for a start!’ Kelly’s pre-match visits became rare events after that.
The Scottish Cup, of course, was duly delivered following a nail-biting ninety minutes against a splendid Dunfermline team which only missed out on the First Division championship after finishing on forty-nine points, one adrift of Kilmarnock and Hearts. The Fifers’ Irish manager Willie Cunningham, who had succeeded Stein, was a thoughtful, even intense, character who had continued the good work of his predecessor.
Dunfermline, who were, quite rightly, installed as favourites for the Cup, had a compelling blend of skill and strength with individuals such as future Celt Tommy Callaghan, a tireless midfield worker, and his brother Willie, typical of the breed of the time, a determined, little full-back. Jim Herriot was a more than capable goalkeeper who would go on to represent Scotland, while Jim McLean was an old-fashioned centre-half who took no prisoners. There was pace and grace in the shape of wingers Alex Edwards and Jackie Sinclair and they also possessed a typical battering-ram centre-forward in John McLaughlin.
One player who missed getting the nod to play was a certain Alex Ferguson, who was left out of the team following a poor performance in a 1-1 draw with his former club St Johnstone. The centre-forward, by his own admission, ‘had a series of misses in the second last league game of the season that was reckoned to have denied us the championship because we had better goal figures than either Kilmarnock or Hearts. If we had got two points instead of one against St Johnstone, Dunfermline would have won the league.’
But Ferguson, the club’s top goalscorer, still believed he was a shoo-in for the meeting against Celtic after playing well in the 2-0 victory over Hibs in the semi-final at Tynecastle on the same day Joe McBride was attempting to derail Jock Stein’s aspirations at Hampden. Ferguson, an ungainly, inelegant raider, discovered only fifty minutes before kick-off that he wouldn’t figure in the Cup Final and, in the days before substitutes, the nearest he got to the Hampden pitch was a seat in the stand beside his father. As Willie Cunningham read out his line-up and Ferguson’s name was missing, the future Manchester United manager exploded. ‘You bastard!’ he exclaimed. A transfer demand swiftly followed from the irate Ferguson.
Immediately after the Fife outfit’s battling defeat at the national stadium, Cunningham sought a new centre-forward. Joe McBride was the man he targeted.
Many years later, McBride admitted, ‘I knew Celtic wanted me and then in came Dunfermline. I had asked for a transfer and Motherwell were not about to stand in my way. Through various routes, I was told what the Fifers were willing to pay in a basic wage and it was a lot more than what was on offer at Celtic. Big Jock told me he would sort things out. He didn’t need to reassure me. Celtic were my club and, corny though it may sound, it had always been a dream and an ambition to pull on those green and white hoops. Now I was being given that opportunity and nothing was going to prevent me from making that move. Money was never my prime consideration.’
And McBride, like so many before and after him, ignored the financial incentives elsewhere to sign on the dotted line. Another who followed his heart and not his head was Bertie Auld. He recalled in his autobiography, ‘A Bhoy Called Bertie’, ‘Clyde offered me £60 to sign professional forms for them in 1955. Partick Thistle offered me £50. Celtic offered £20. So, of course, I joined Celtic!’
It was Auld, performing with all the gallus swagger of a typical Glaswegian, who was so instrumental in Jock Stein’s first piece of silverware success. Harry Melrose scrambled in the opening goal for the Fifers in the fifteenth minute, but, just after the half-hour mark, the Maryhill man levelled with a brave header from just about under the crossbar after a well-struck shot from Charlie Gallagher had thumped against the woodwork. Just before the interval, Dunfermline struck again when John McLaughlin, Ferguson’s replacement, accepted a short free-kick and walloped a twenty-five yard effort wide of John Fallon. Back came Auld and Celtic, though, in the fifty-second minute when he finished off a well-worked move with a rare right-foot drive beyond Jim Herriot. That set up a grand finale to top the lot and bring eight years of hurt and suffering to a welcome shuddering and spectacular halt.
Nine minutes remained of a thrilling encounter when the artful Charlie Gallagher gracefully arced a left-wing corner-kick into the penalty area. Jim Herriot would have required the assistance of stepladders to thwart Billy McNeill as the Celtic captain outjumped friend and foe to meet the cross squarely with his forehead and the ball pummelled the netting with a fair degree of ferocity. Hampden, in an instant, was transformed into a green-and-white wonderland.
‘Instinctively, we knew that triumph would be the start of something good for everyone connected with Celtic,’ said matchwinner McNeill. ‘I had played in two losing Cup Finals before that and, naturally enough, the disappointment leaves you wondering if you will ever win anything. It was the same for John Hughes and Stevie Chalmers. They were also in the teams that had lost in replays to Dunfermline in 1961 and Rangers two years later. You feel sickened for yourself, your team-mates and, of course, the man on the terracing. On days like that, you know you have failed them, you have let them down and haven’t matched their expectations. It does get to you, believe me.
‘Beating Dunfermline changed everything. Suddenly, Celtic supporters were smiling and wearing their colours with pride. The players didn’t have to duck and dive when they were out in public. It was a pleasure to be stopped in the street and talk about actually winning something.’
Some special days lay ahead for Billy McNeill and his Celtic colleagues. And, of course, a guy named Joe.
TOMORROW: A GUY NAMED JOE (PART TWO)
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14 things to know about the NBA’s return
Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images
Our team communities put together lists of critical things for fans to know as we approach the restarting of the NBA. Here’s a list from those lists.
As the NBA prepares to un-press the pause button on the season we asked some of our team site communities to list a few important things for fans to know. Here’s just a smattering of juicy tidbits to help us all reengage with the league and prepare for Bubble Ball.
1. Toronto finally gets to defend their title (via Raptors HQ)
You’d be forgiven if you forgot the Toronto Raptors are the defending NBA champs. It’s been over a year now since The North brought home the Larry O’Brien and once Kawhi went west so did all the media attention. But the Raptors are healthy, have a great coach, have the second-best NBA defense and Marc Gasol is still ticking. Don’t sleep on Toronto.
We can admit here, between friends, that the Raptors are not considered the favourites to win the 2020 NBA title. The smarter money is betting on LeBron James and the Lakers, Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. This is a fair stance to take; those are three really good teams.
But, it bears mentioning: the Raptors were the fourth team in that little mix and spent most of the season playing a man, or two, or three (or four?) down.
2. Luka Doncic is coming (via Mavs Moneyball)
The most exciting young player in the league has returned and we get to see him turning defenses into confused piles of shivering goo. Like this:
via GIPHY
3. Magic were on a run (via Orlando Pinstriped Post)
Orlando sits comfortably in the eighth spot in the East where they have the goal of holding off the Wizards for the right to “play” in the first round against a Milwaukee (probably) juggernaut. Fun. But it’s not all bad for the “home” team:
Make no mistake about it, the Magic put together a thoroughly scorching 12-game burst before the hiatus hit, seemingly flipping the switch in the time found between heartbeats. Orlando emerged as the league’s most dangerous scoring outfit, morphing their moribund pre-February 10 offensive rating of 105.5 (26th) into a gold standard of 118.2 (1st).
4. The Kings have a shot at the playoffs!?! (via Sactown Royalty)
The Sacramento Kings enjoy the support of one of the most loyal fan bases in the NBA who absolutely deserve a shot at the postseason for the first time since 2006. They’ll need to reverse their trend of slow starts including a 2-6 record over the first eight games of part one of the this season. Good luck with that.
5. Aaron Baynes is the center of the Suns (via BrightSide of the Sun)
The Phoenix Suns will say all the right things about fighting for that eighth spot but without Kelly Oubre (knee) their already dim chances are...dimmer. Of course, fans will be watching to see if Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton do that Phoenix thing and “show promise” but more eyes will be on free agent Aaron Baynes.
Basically the entire Suns’ frontcourt is able to hit the open market this offseason, with Baynes chief among them. His impact on this group is unmistakable, and he fits their offensive system well. One could even imagine that his comfort might allow the Suns to nab him for a price tag beneath his $10 million cap hold. What happens over the course of the eight games in Orlando could be the deciding factor for Baynes’ future in the Valley.
6. Some Wizards will be in attendance (via Bullets Forever)
No John Wall still. Bradley Beal is undecided. David Bertans is out. But hey, at least Washington Wizards are bad at defense.
They’ve allowed 115.8 points per 100 possessions — second worst mark in NBA history — and that’s an improvement over where they were earlier in the season.
7. The Rockets got even smaller (via The Dream Shake)
Houston traded away their starting bigs and I guess will use 6’5” P.J. Tucker and the aging Tyson Chandler against the likes of Rudy Gobert, Nikola Jokic, and Anthony Davis. Huh. Ok. At least James Harden has bought into the “Pocket Rockets” by seemingly dropping his own extra baggage.
James Harden is skinny now. And you wasted your quarantine with Netflix. Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/QSQBwF0c6K
— Willy B (@baldwinning580) May 23, 2020
8. Grizzlies are pumped (via Grizzly Bear Blues)
The Memphis Grizzlies are currently a playoff team and their young studs want to keep it that way by fighting off a bevy of competitors. Meanwhile, likely Rookie of the Year Ja Morant will be looking to prove he’s deserving of the title despite Zion Williamson’s injury shortened season. And sophomore Jaren Jackson Jr. has to be excited about the chance to play meaningful games. We’re excited for him too.
While Zion was elite in 19 games played prior to the suspension of the season, Ja’s 59 game sample size is extremely impressive in and of itself. He is a human highlight reel with a remarkable ability to take games over in the fourth quarter and a willingness to get his teammates involved early and often to get their confidence up. He’s cocky and brash in the very best way, willing to take on all comers and embrace the underdog mentality that both he and Memphis have had for the longest time.
9. Bucks are best (via Brew Hoop)
The best team in the NBA by both record and stats hope their momentum from the season will translate to the Bubble. Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has already proven his chops as a great player and now has the chance to jump to the next level and join the conversation as one of the greatest players ever. That kind of thing happens in the postseason. The X factor for this team is the Lopez twins home court advantage of playing at a Disney facility. This might just give the Bucks an unfair edge.
But why have one giant center when you can have two, and when they happen to have overlapping skill sets, physical profiles, and genetic backgrounds? Twin brother Robin was an offseason acquisition that guaranteed the Bucks would have 48 minutes of Lopez to throw at any other big man they might come across, and Robin shoots threes now too!
10. It’s Dame Time for Portland (via Blazers Edge)
When Damian Lillard gets rolling there’s nothing that can stop him. He’ll need to bring all of those powers to the effort if the Blazers are going to both catch the Grizzlies and hold off four other teams for the final spot. But if anyone can do it...
During the 2019-20 campaign the star point guard is averaging career highs in points (28.9) and assists (7.8) per game. He’s also posting his best field goal percentage (45.7) and tied for his best 3-point shooting season (39.4%). This is all while being the league leader in minutes per game (36.9).
11. Lakers are thirsty (via Silver Screen and Roll)
Lakers Exceptionalism is alive and well in Los Angeles and pretty much everywhere else basketball and shoes and culture exists. It’s been a tragic year for the team and that was before, ya know, everything. But The King seems focused on using his incredible platform for incredible things and the longer he’s playing and getting attention the more good he can do. LeBron will be heading into the Bubble postseason fully rested and highly motivated so even me, a lifelong Lakers Hater, wouldn’t bet against another Laker ring.
Avery Bradley was originally on the roster, but won’t travel with the Lakers to Orlando for personal reasons. The Lakers have replaced him with J.R Smith, a move they just made official on Wednesday. We will update this section when and if they add anyone else. For example, general manager Rob Pelinka says they still are not certain if Howard is going or not.
12. Surprising Thunder fight for third (via Welcome to Loud City)
When Russell Westbrook left for the Rockets we all thought the Thunder run was done. But Chris Paul is having an exceptional season and as a high-mileage vet should benefit from the long layoff.
It has been brilliant to watch Chris Paul take on a leadership role with the Thunder. When the trade was made, there was a feeling that Paul did not want to be in Oklahoma. Paul is at the stage of his career where he wants to be contending titles. Oklahoma City are not a team challenging for the Larry O’Brien trophy at the moment.
OKC is only 1.5 games behind Denver for the third spot in the West and while home court advantage isn’t a thing this year the seeding advantage is still important to the team’s chances of pushing the LA teams in the playoffs.
13. It’s Clipper time (via Clips Nation)
Paul George is healthy. The Clips added some needed depth with Marcus Morris, Reggie Jackson and whatever Joakim Noah has left in his energy tanks. But mostly, if we’ve learned anything about the NBA over the last fiver years or so it’s to never discount Kawhi Leonard in the postseason. This all brings us to the possibility (probability really) of an epic crosstown series played on the other side of the country without the benefit of celebrity fans sitting court side. Less circus, more basketball - sounds great to me!
The Clippers have the best lineup (that has played at least 50 minutes together) in the NBA since the All-Star break. The Clippers’ bench extends beyond just Williams and Harrell. The best five-man unit in the league (+35.7 net rating over 60 minutes) since the All-Star break belongs to the Clippers reserves: Jackson, Williams, Landry Shamet, JaMychal Green, and Harrell. The Clippers starters come in seventh at +19.4.
14. Pelicans are inevitible (via The Bird Writes)
The New Orleans Pelicans head to Orlando in 10th place but are considered by many to be favorites to overtake the Grizzlies and steal the final playoff spot. Why? Maybe it’s the development of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram combined with Mr. Inevitable Zion Williamson. But mostly you can credit the combined play of their entire starting five who put up a league-best (from Jan 22 on) +26.3 net rating. That’s nuts.
Zanos did return to wreak havoc upon the mere mortals of the NBA...
[...]His efficiency as a scorer has been off the charts, even as he adjusts to the size and speed of the NBA game. Williamson converted almost 59 percent of his field goal attempts, while averaging 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Reports are that Zion is in phenomenal shape heading into the restart. If he could perform like that while working himself into basketball condition, just imagine what a healthy Williamson will do to opponents that are now realizing that they must adjust to him.
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Arsenal can forget Champions League, PSG president’s TV negotiations, Chelsea’s Kepa conundrum
Welcome to ESPN’s Insider Notebook, featuring contributions from our reporters across the continent. In this edition, Arsenal fans excited about getting Champions League football through the back door are dealt a reality check, PSG’s president is negotiating with himself, Chelsea have a Kepa conundrum and there’s an esports battle brewing …
Jump to: PSG president negotiates with himself | Kepa conundrum | Lockdown in Malaga | Spain and Italy’s eSports beef
Arsenal in the Champions League? Forget it
We’ve heard many weird and wonderful ideas appear about how to resolve issues if the coronavirus crisis means domestic seasons across Europe cannot be completed. But sorry, Arsenal fans, don’t get excited. Unless you finish in the top four, you won’t be playing in the Champions League next season, whenever that will be.
One of the whispers out of Tuesday’s UEFA video conference, held with all 55 national associations, was that European places could be decided purely on UEFA’s club coefficient, a system that ranks clubs based on their European performance alone over a five-year period.
In such a scenario, England‘s Champions League spots go to Liverpool, Manchester United … and ninth-placed Arsenal. Tottenham Hotspur, who are eighth in the league, would take Manchester City‘s place, due to City’s ban for financial fair play violations (pending an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, of course).
Leicester City and Chelsea, who sit third and fourth in the Premier League table respectively, would be dumped into the Europa League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Sheffield United would be denied their first-ever European campaign in a cruel twist following a fine season back in the big time.
Arsenal won’t be able to find a backdoor route into the Champions League next season. Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
But that misfortune is nothing compared to Belgium, where Club Brugge sit 15 points clear at the top and are to be crowned champions; they are ranked only fourth by UEFA’s coefficient, so would merit only a place in the Europa League third-qualifying round.
In Spain, sixth-placed Atletico Madrid would take the place of Real Sociedad; Atalanta and Inter would lose out to AS Roma and Napoli in Italy; Lyon and AS Monaco would take places off Marseille and Stade Rennes, who have never played in the Champions League, in France.
In Germany, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach would be replaced by Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke. AZ Alkmaar, who are only second to Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie, would lose their place to PSV Eindhoven.
But wait! All of this just isn’t going to happen. It’s pie in the sky. It was the suggestion of one league representative, and while it might get traction in places, sources have told ESPN that UEFA is adamant sporting achievement should govern who plays in Europe. It’s up to the leagues to suggest a formula and UEFA will offer guidelines. This may be made official when the executive committee meets on Thursday.
All of which is why UEFA is so against the idea of null-and-voiding seasons, preferring instead that leagues are played to a conclusion or places awarded on merit.
These stories give great headlines, but rarely stand up to scrutiny. It is not that the idea has not been floated and could not be used in very specific cases. But for an association in full as a blanket rule? Not a chance. — Dale Johnson
– Stream new episodes of ESPN FC Monday-Friday on ESPN+
– Stream every episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories on ESPN+
PSG president negotiates with … himself?
• When does the transfer window reopen?
• Karlsen: Possible coronavirus impact
• Best ever transfers: 100-51 | 50-1
• This summer’s top free agents
• January transfer grades
• Latest completed major transfers
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is negotiating on behalf of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs with TV rights holders, so that the final installments for the 2019-20 season can be paid. The rights holders in France are Canal+ and BeIn Sport, whose supremo is … yep, you’ve guessed it: Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
So the Paris boss is basically in talks with himself. The motto does say that if you want something done, do it yourself, but this is pushing it. Al-Khelaifi has been put forward by the other Ligue 1 presidents, and Canal+ also thought it was a good idea that he was part of the negotiations.
On April 5, BeIn, like Canal+, refused to transfer the money to the league for the latest instalments of the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 rights, totalling €155 million. They have another payment due on June 5. The negotiations continue, and Al-Khelaifi is asking for French football to be less selfish. He is running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. — Julien Laurens
Chelsea in Kepa conundrum
Chelsea are struggling to drum up interest in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, sources have told ESPN. Manager Frank Lampard is open to selling the Spain international after dropping him for six games in January and February.
Intermediaries have been gauging interest from some of Europe’s leading clubs, but there seems to be very little appetite to take the 25-year-old off Chelsea’s hands. Kepa arrived from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6 million in 2018 and has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025.
Chelsea face a dilemma about how to move forward with their goalkeeper situation. No. 2 Willy Caballero is set to leave at the end of the season, and the club are exploring the option of signing another senior goalkeeper to compete with Kepa. — Rob Dawson
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Sid Lowe dives into the proposed protocols for team training and the potential timetable for La Liga’s return.
Spending lockdown in Malaga’s stadium
Spain’s strict coronavirus lockdown has not been a problem for the Perales family, who have Malaga’s La Rosaleda stadium as their backyard.
Andres Perales, who is 83, lives in a house alongside the 30,000-capacity arena with the youngest of his seven children, Andy. Andres worked for the club for almost 50 years in various roles — from team bus driver, to gardener, to janitor and even masseur — and has lived on site since 1989.
“This is my life. I spent my youth here at La Rosaleda,” Andres told La Sexta TV. “It’s a real shame to see it empty like this. I’ve seen it full, with people coming and going … and now like this it’s really sad.”
Despite retiring a decade ago, Andres continues to live rent-free in a three-bedroom home accessed via the stadium’s Gate 18, which bears his name in recognition of his years of service.
2 Related
“I can’t complain,” Andy, who is 43 and also a club employee, told El Pais. “After lunch I go for a walk on the training pitch, and if I feel like it I go to the first-team gym. I don’t go into the stadium too often, I’ve seen it enough.”
Andy and two of his sisters were even involved in disinfecting the stadium last month, donning protective gear to ensure La Rosaleda’s offices, locker rooms, turnstiles and concourses were free of COVID-19.
“It was like cleaning the house, on a larger scale!” he told the club’s website. — Alex Kirkland
Esports beef as Spain left stunned with Italy crying foul play
Sources have told ESPN that Spain were stunned by Italy’s comments following the cancellation of the FIFA eNations StayAndPlay Cup.
FIFA organised the virtual tournament to help spread a positive message during the enforced lockdown in Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic, with participants made up of one international footballer and an esports star as a pairing from each country.
Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and a host of other guests every day as football plots a path through the coronavirus crisis. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only).
Spain and Italy were drawn in the same group of the StayAndPlay Cup, alongside Portugal and Malta. However, while most teams selected an international player and professional esports star as their two representatives, Spain chose YouTuber “DjMaRiiO” with esports player Jaime “Gravesen” Alvarez.
Italy cited this as one of the reasons for the cancellations, with Alessio Romagnoli, the Azzurri‘s representative, also criticising the move.
But the Spanish FA have been left baffled as they claim FIFA informed them they could select an influencer; DjMaRiiO, Spain’s biggest FIFA YouTuber with six million subscribers, falls into that category.
And you thought only real football could bring such drama and aggro! — Rodrigo Faez
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Post Draft NFL Power Rankings
1: Ravens
The Ravens finished 14-2 last season, but surprisingly lost in their first playoff game. What did they due to improve themselves this offseason? Well they kept Matt Judon who fans believed would be traded and they also acquired Calais Campbell in a trade with the Jaguars. People will forgot about that trade because he’s 33, but in the last two seasons he’s had 10.5 and 6.5 sacks. Heading into the draft, they needed some help in the middle of their defense. To fix that, they stole Patrick Queen with the 28th pick and they drafted Malik Harrison in round 3. Not only is their linebacker core looking much better, but they upgraded their defensive line by drafting Justin Madubuike. Their offense is looking scary, they should have one of the best running games in football with J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram. They also added Devin Duvernay and James Proche, two solid receivers from a deep receiver class. The Ravens improved themselves a lot in the offseason.
2: Chiefs
The Chiefs didn’t lose any big pieces in free agency, which is very good for them considering they just won the Super Bowl. In the draft, the Chiefs took Clyde Edwards-Helaire, one of my favorite running backs from this draft class. I compare him to Mark Ingram and Frank Gore, and Andy Reid thinks he’s a better version of Brian Westbrook. The Chiefs took offensive tackle Lucas Niang in the 3rd round which was a steal; Niang didn’t allow one sack throughout his college career. They needed some help on defense and they got that. They selected Willie Gay Jr who’s pretty much a worse Isaiah Simmons. Gay Jr would’ve been picked much earlier if it weren’t for off the field issues. The Chiefs also took blazing fast cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in the 4th round. Sneed is versatile, playing both safety and cornerback. I’m a big fan of the Chiefs offseason.
3: Saints
The Saints nailed the offseason. At quarterback, they kept Drew Brees and Taysom Hill. Yes, they lost Teddy Bridgewater, but they signed Jameis Winston, who’s every bit as good as Bridgewater, for a deal that’ll only cost a maximum of 3.4 million dollars. Obviously with Brees, quarterback wasn’t the biggest of needs. They got some help for their star quarterback by signing Emmanuel Sanders. On defense, they made an impressive signing by acquiring veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins. In the past two seasons, Jenkins played at a high level, reaching 97 and 81 tackles. In the draft, they got the best center, Cesar Ruiz, at 26. Linebacker Zack Baun, who is a Kyle Van Noy clone, astonishingly slipped to them in the 3rd round. The Saints also got the second best tight end in Adam Trautman. This was very good offseason for the Saints.
4: 49ers
The important players the 49ers lost from last years team were DeForest Buckner and Emmanuel Sanders. However, they got rid of Buckner through trade and simply couldn’t afford to keep him either of them. The 49ers got the 13th pick in return for Buckner, and traded back one spot to 14. At 14 they took Javon Kinlaw who will replace Bucker in the interior of the defensive line. Kinlaw is talented, affecting both the run and pass game. In Kinlaw’s last two seasons he finished with 65 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks. The 49ers then traded up from 31 to 25 and picked Brandon Aiyuk who will replace Emmanuel Sanders. Aiyuk is almost identical to Deebo Samuel. With Joe Staley retiring, the 49ers traded a 5th and a 2021 3rd for Trent Williams who will be a huge upgrade at left tackle. Some other key picks the 49ers made in the draft were selecting Colton McKivitz who will provide them with some more offensive line help, something that never hurts. They also got a good blocking tight end in Charlie Woerner and a depth receiver in Jauan Jennings. It’s been a pretty good offseason for the NFC Champs.
5: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers signed Tom Brady! That’s enough said. Well, maybe not, because the Patriots lost in the wild card game last year. So what else did tbe Buccaneers do? The Buccaneers added some offensive line help for Brady by signing Joe Haeg. That wasn’t their only offensive line help for their newly signed quarterback; when they traded up from 14 to 13, they selected Tristan Wirfs, an offensive tackle who many people thought was the second best offensive tackle in a loaded offensive tackle class. However, the Buccaneers made Wirfs the fourth offensive tackle taken. Just last week, the Buccaneers pulled off a stunning trade for Rob Grownkowski. With Gronk, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, O.J. Howard, and Cameron Brate, you’d think they were already good enough on offense. But no, they drafted receiver Tyler Johnson and running backs Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Calais Campbell. It wasn’t all offense for the Buccaneers; they also drafted talented safety Antoine Winfield Jr, defensive tackle Khalil Davis, and linebacker Chapelle Russell. What a crazy and great offseason for the Buccaneers.
6: Vikings
A couple good signings the Vikings made were adding run stuffer Michael Pierce from the Ravens and getting wide receiver Tajee Sharp from the Titans. The Vikings traded star receiver Stefon Diggs, but with the pick they got back from him they were able to replace him with talented receiver Justin Jefferson, who shouldn’t have even been available at 22. The Vikings had an amazing draft. Besides taking Jefferson, they also got cornerbacks Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler, who fill a huge need for them, at 31 and 81. Offensive tackle was another necessity for them and they filled that with the falling Ezra Cleveland at 56. Cleveland was projected to go in late round 1 or early round 2. The Vikings had 15 picks so I’m definitely not going through all of them, but some other notable additions in the draft were defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum and James Lynch, and fast linebacker Troy Dye. The Vikings had a solid free agency and a top 5 draft.
7: Cowboys
The Cowboys lost pro bowl cornerback Byron Jones to the Dolphins in free agency. They also lost another contributor in pass rusher Robert Quinn. But they really upgraded their defensive line in free agency. The Cowboys added Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe, so running against them will be frightening. But if that wasn’t scary enough, they also drafted defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. To replace Byron Jones, they drafted lengthy cornerback Trevon Diggs in the 2nd round. Many scouts and teams had a 1st round grade on Diggs, so landing him in round 2 was a steal. But that wasn’t even their best pick. The Cowboys took the best wide receiver in the class, CeeDee Lamb, at 17. How will you be able to stop the Cowboys offense? If you double CeeDee Lamb they also have pro bowl receiver Amari Cooper and young and improving receiver Michael Gallup. If you focus on the passing game they can beat you with Ezekel Elliot and vise versa. Dallas also got cornerback Reggie Robinson from Tulsa, someone who landed on Bleacher Report’s list of late round draft picks that could be future pro bowlers. The Cowboys really look a lot better.
8: Colts
In free agency, the Colts added run stuffer Sheldon Day and struggling cornerback (although he used to be a pro bowler) Xavier Rhodes. The biggest addition was obviously Phillip Rivers. However, their best addition might be DeForest Buckner, who they traded their 13th pick for. Despite not having a 1st round pick, the Colts got two first round talents in receiver Michael Pittman Jr and Jonathan Taylor at picks 31 and 44. The Colts also upgraded their defense by adding versatile safety Julian Blackmon, defensive tackle Rob Windsor, and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. They also added offensive guard Danny Pinter who Phillip Rivers and Jonathan Taylor will both love. Another key move, although it won’t help them this year, was drafting Jacob Eason. Eason should be good in a couple years once Phillip Rivers retires. The Colts look much improved on both sides of the ball.
9: Steelers
In free agency, the Steelers got two solid additions in tight end Eric Ebron and offensive guard Stefen Wisniewski. Wisniewski played for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs last season and took over the starting job in week 16 following an injury. He was excellent in pass protection during that time. Ebron had a breakout season in 2018, reaching 750 yards and 13 touchdowns. He only had 375 yards and 3 touchdowns last year, though. The Steelers will hope they can rejuvenate his career. In the draft, the Steelers got a combine stud and athletic freak wide receiver Chase Claypool. They also added shifty running back Anthony McFarland Jr and a good offensive guard in Kevin Dotson. On defense, the Steelers added pass rusher Alex Highsmith who was a good value pick and they got hard-hitting safety Antoine Brooks Jr and defensive tackle Carlos Davis (brother of Khalil Davis who I mentioned earlier). Not only did the Steelers make all those moves, but Ben Roethlisberger should be healthy next season. The Steelers could be a surprisingly good team.
10: Seahawks
The Seahawks signed Greg Olsen and stacked up in offensive lineman in free agency by adding Cedric Ogbuehi, Brandon Shell, and B.J. Finney. Seattle also got veteran Bruce Irvin who had 8.5 sacks last season. The Seahawks draft was anything but good, though. They reached for middle linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who doesn’t even play a position of need. They reached again for developmental edge rusher Darrell Taylor and for running back DeeJay Dallas. The rest of their picks were decent, but not anything good enough to make up for the bad picks. Seattle drafted two tight ends in Colby Parkinson and Stephen Sullivan. It’s looking like their offense will consist of two tight ends playing at all times and they can rotate between a few of them. If Clowney returns, the Seahawks should also have a very good defense and I’d put them higher on the list, but who knows where he’ll go. Seattle will have a good offense next year, but their offensive line and defense are still question marks.
11: Bills
The Bills made a splash by trading for Stefon Diggs who should instantly become Josh Allen’s favorite target. They got some needed defensive line help in signing Mario Addison and Vernon Butler and they got corner help in E.J. Gaines and Josh Norman. In the draft, they got more defensive help. A.J. Epenesa was surprisingly available at 54 which made for one of the better picks in the draft. They also got another corner in Dane Jackson from Pittsburgh. Their draft was offensive heavy though as they got a power runner who’s been compared to Marshawn Lynch in Zack Moss from Utah, a wide receiver who’s been compared to Courtland Sutton in Gabriel Davis from UCF, another wide receiver in Isaiah Hodgins, and a solid backup quarterback in Jake Fromm. They also added a Tyler Bass, a kicker. Next year, the Bills should have a good run-first offense that still has a decent passing game. Their defense should also be very good.
12: Titans
The Titans had a surprising run to the AFC Champ game last year but they definitely regressed this offseason. They traded Jurell Casey for next to nothing, lost Jack Conklin, and might lose Logan Ryan on top of that. Some other losses they suffered that weren’t as important were Dion Lewis, Austin Johnson, and Marcus Mariota. Their only free agency additions were Vic Beasley, Ty Sambrailo, and Jack Crawford. Their draft was okay as they added offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson to replace Jack Conklin, drafted Kristian Fulton, and got a good running back who I think can be a hidden gem in Darrynton Evans. The rest of their picks won’t be big contributors. Tennessee undoubtedly got worse in the offseason, but they can still be a decent team.
13: Packers
The Packers lost a few key players in Jimmy Graham, Blake Martinez, Bryan Buluga, Kyler Fackrell, and Geronimo Allison. But, they managed to replace Geronimo Allison with Devin Funchess, replace Blake Martinez with a tackling machine in linebacker Christian Kirksey, and sign a right tackle in Ricky Wagner. After the free agency period, it wad clear they had gotten worse and needed some targets for Aaron Rodgers. Many people expected them to get receiver help with their first pick, but they instead chose to draft Aaron Rodgers’ successor in Jordan Love. I actually like that pick although it won’t benefit them for a couple years. Green Bay didn’t do too well the rest of the draft as they reached for a power back in the huge A.J. Dillon in round 2. They had a solid round 3 pick in tight end Josiah Deguara. In round 4 they got a need with linebacker Kamal Martin, but I would’ve definitely gone with a receiver. The remainder of their picks were three offensive lineman, a safety, and a pass rusher. In such a deep receiver class, it’s hard to imagine the Packers actually passed on one. Like Tennessee, the Packers are a team that got to their conference’s championship game, yet regressed big time in the offseason.
14: Broncos
The Broncos lost Chris Harris Jr, Derek Wolfe, Andy Janovich, Casey Kreiter, Connor McGovern, and Will Parks earlier in the offseason. That’s not to say they had a bad free agency period, as they still added Melvin Gordon, Nick Vannett, Jurrell Casey, Christian Covington, Sam Martin, Graham Glasgow, and Jeff Driskel. Heading into the draft, they hadn’t really improved or gotten worse. Their draft was one of the best in the league, though. They stacked up on offense with two receivers, Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler, and got a good tight end in Albert Okwuegbunam. Add that what they already had in Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant and their passing offense should be one of the best in the league. They also have a top 10 running back in Phillip Lindsay and a top 15 running back in Melvin Gordon. Their offensive line is a lot better with Lloyd Cushenberry and Netane Muti. Muti only fell to pick 181 because of injuries. On defense, the Broncos got a solid, lengthy corner in Michael Ojemudia and a very good defensive tackle in McTelvin Agim. Getting help in the middle of their defense was important for them, and they were able to land Justin Strnad in the 5th round. Strnad led Wake Forest in both interceptions and special teams tackles. Special teams isn’t the only place where he got tackles, he had 69 through eight games, along with 2 sacks. Due to their amazing draft, the Broncos are certainly one of the most improved teams in the league.
15: Chargers
The Chargers lost a few key players in free agency and through trade; Phillip Rivers, Adrian Phillips, Melvin Gordon, Travis Benjamin, and Thomas Davis. That’s not to say they got worse. They really improved their offensive line by getting Trai Turner and Brian Buluga, and they improved their defense by signing Linval Joseph and Chris Harris Jr. In the draft, the Chargers got their quarterback of the future in Justin Herbert at pick 6, then they traded back into round 1 and got the best middle linebacker, Kenneth Murray. The Chargers then got running back Joshua Kelly who won’t have to move far as he’s from UCLA. With Kelly and Austin Ekeler the Chargers should still have a very good run game. They doubled up on wide receiver, getting Joe Reed in round 5 and K.J. Hill in round 7. Those were both very good picks for where they got them, and in between they got a safety, Alohi Gilman. The Chargers offensive line is a lot better which will benefit Herbert and the whole offense. Their defense is also much improved.
16: Patriots
The Patriots lost Tom Brady, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Elandon Roberts Danny Shelton, and more players. Those names I just mentioned were all crucial players from last years team. The only valuable signings were Adrian Phillips and Marquise Lee. Despite many people not being huge fans of their draft, I liked it. They got a very versatile safety in Kyle Dugger and another versatile player in linebacker Josh Uche. Those are both players that Belicheck should be thrilled to have because he’ll use them in many ways and find a way to get them to play their best. They got another player that’ll fit Belicheck’s system in pass rusher Anfernee Jennings. They also got two good tight ends in Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene. After that, they drafted a punter, linebacker, and three offensive lineman. The Patriots got worse in the offseason, yet I still feel good about them because they have an amazing coach and got players that fit his system.
17: Eagles
The only good players the Patriots couldn’t keep in free agency were Malcolm Jenkins, who they surprisingly cut, Jordan Howard, Nelson Aghelor, and Timmy Jernigan. But they were able to replace Timmy Jernigan with Javon Hargrave, trade for Darius Slay, and trade for Marquise Goodwin on the final day of the draft. In the draft, they were able to upgrade at wide receiver which was a big position of need. Not only did they trade for Goodwin by only trading down from 190 to 220, but they also drafted Jalen Reagor, Josh Hightower, and Quez Watkins at picks 21, 168, and 200. Getting Jalen Hurts in round 2 was questionable considering they have Wentz, but they should find a way to get the versatile player on the field. There’s also a good chance Wentz gets hurt. They also got two offensive tackles from Auburn, one being Jack Driscoll and the other being Prince Tega-Wanogho. Prince Tega-Wanogho was a massive steal at 210. On the defensive side of the ball, they selected two linebackers in Davion Taylor and Casey Toohill, along with a safety in K’Von Wallace. Taylor is more of a pass rusher while Toohill is a middle linebacker and Wallace is a big safety that can play in the box. The Eagles improved a lot on offensel, especially at the wide receiver position.
18: Raiders
The Raiders luckily didn’t lose key players in free agency, yet they added some in linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski and talented backip quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Raiders actually signed 11 players in free agency and only 5 left, so they did more than just fill up the holes of the losses. In the draft, Gruden and the Raiders added more than enough speed; they drafted Henry Ruggs III at pick 12, Lynn Bowden Jr at pick 80, and Bryan Edwards at pick 81. All three of those receivers are blazing fast. At 19, the Raiders reached for Damon Arnette. Arnette was the 8th best corner on Daniel Jeremiah’s big board and they made him the 3rd one taken. Arnette wasn’t the only defensive back they picked, they also got safety Tanner Muse and cornerback Amik Robertson. All these new receivers and defensive backs will allow to keep up with the rest of this pass-happy league. The Raiders also picked John Simpson, a guard from Clemson.
19: Rams
The Rams lost corner back Nickell Robey-Coleman, Dante Fowler Jr, Cory Littleton, Greg Zuerlein, Jojo Natson, Todd Gurley, and Mike Thomas. They also traded Brandin Cooks. The only players they added in the free agency period were Leonard Floyd and A’Shawn Robinson. By drafting Cam Akers with their first pick, they’re getting someone that’ll be better than Gurley’s been lately. The Rams also selected Van Jefferson, a receiver often compared to Cooper Kupp. They got another offensive target in tight end Brycen Hopkins who plays like a big receiver. On defense, they got Alabama pass rusher Terrell Lewis and Terrell Burgess. Terrell Lewis has had his fair share of injuries, but when he’s on the field he’s dominant. Burgess plays both cornerback and safety. The Rams also added safety Jordan Fuller and linebacker Clay Johnston. Not only did the Rams add some impressive weapons on offense and talented players on defense, but they drafted a kicker and offensive guard named Sam Sloman and Tremayne Anchrum. I see the Rams being better next season then they were this season. Despite losing some impressive players, they drafted some that can fill their roles.
20: Cardinals
The Cardinals were another team that didn’t lose any essential players, yet they traded for star receiver DeAndre Hopkins and signed edge rushers Devon Kennard and De’Vondre Campbell. Those are three big upgrades for them. The Cardinals also nailed the draft. They got a generational defensive talent in extremely versatile linebacker Isaiah Simmons, added two great run stuffers in defensive tackles Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence, and added linebacker Evan Weaver. On offense they managed to get offensive tackle Josh Jones and running back Eno Benjamin. Jones was expected to between picks 20 and 40, yet the Cardinals managed to get him at 72. Eno Benjamin should serve as a very good compliment to Kenyan Drake in the backfield, and that was a need considering they gave away David Johnson in the Hopkins trade. The Cardinals are a lot better on both sides of the ball.
21: Falcons
The Falcons lost important players in De’Vondre Camplell, Adrian Clayborn, Austin Hooper, Ty Sambrailo, and Vic Beasley. Replacing Hooper by signing Hayden Hurst and signing a talented pass rusher in Dante Fowler Jr to replace Campbell were just two of the signings they made. But in the draft, they went defensive heavy; they got corner A.J. Terrell at 16, defensive tackle Marlon Davidson at 47, linebacker Mykal Walker at 119, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins at 134. Drafting center Matt Hennessy at 78 was their only offensive move. They also selected Syracuse punter Sterling Hofrichter. Though they lost key players in free agency, they found solid replacements for a couple of them and they really boosted their defensive talent.
22: Texans
The Texans offseason started out awful as they traded DeAndre Hopkins and a 4th rounder and only got David Johnson, a 2nd rounder, and a 2021 4th rounder in return. To replace Hopkins the Texans made a questionable trade, giving away a 2nd rounder for Brandin Cooks. In a draft so deep at receiver, they could’ve gotten a better and cheaper option than Cooks with the pick they gave away. The Texans signing Timmy Jernigan was the one positive thing they did. Houston took defensive tackle Ross Blacklock and pass rusher Jon Greenard. Those were a couple nice picks. They also got a 4th round corner, John Reid. On offense, they added offensive tackle Charlie Heck in the 4th round and got receiver depth in Isaiah Coulter with their 5th rounder. The Texans had an average draft, but after their awful offseason before that, it seems as if they’ve really gotten worse.
23: Giants
The only key player the Giants lost in free agency was special teams standout Michael Thomas. In the free agency period, the Giants added a good cornerback in James Bradberry, a solid linebacker in Blake Martinez, a pro bowl long snapper in Casey Kreiter, a decent edge rusher in Kyler Fackrell, and some depth players. The Giants were another draft winner. They solidified their offensive line, something that has been a need for years, by drafting Andrew Thomas at 4, developmental by high potential tackle Matt Peart at 99, and guard Shane Lemeiux at 150. On defense, they got a steal at safety at 36 by selecting Xavier McKinney. McKinney was supposed to go in the 1st round and has a game similar to Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Giants also made another impressive pick in corner in Darnay Holmes. The other selections were four linebackers and one more cornerback. The Giants improved in both free agency and the draft and they could be a surprise team if Daniel Jones plays better.
24: Browns
Cleveland lost linebackers Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert among many other players, yet they still improved in free agency by bringing in offensive tackle Jack Conklin, safety Karl Joseph, safety Andrew Sendejo, tight end Austin Hooper, and defensive tackle Adrian Clayborn. The Browns also had a fantastic draft. They solidified their offensive line by getting tackle Jedrick Wills Jr at 10 and center Nick Harris at 160. They got two great offensive targets in tight end Harrison Bryant and receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. On defense, they got two athletic LSU players in safety Grant Delpit and linebacker Jacob Phillips, along with a good defensive tackle in Jordan Elliot. The Browns were a free agency and draft winner just like the Giants and could be a decent team next season.
25: Lions
The Lions had to trade Darius Slay and couldn’t retain Devon Kennard, Graham Glasgow, and A’Shawn Robinson. Linebacker Jamie Collins was their best signing and his play might decline as he leaves the Patriots. Getting defensive help was a must for the Lions, and they did so by picking cornerback Jeffrey Okudah at 3, pass rusher Julian Okwara at 67, defensive tackle John Penisni at 197, and another defensive tackle at 235 in Jashon Cornell. Okudah is the best corner prospect since Jalen Ramsey came out of Florida State, and due to his play style and talent he’s been compared to Ramsey, Stephon Gilmore, and Patrick Peterson. Julian Okwara is a good edge rusher that will be playing alongside his brother, Romeo. On offense they selected wide receiver Quintez Cephus at 166 and reached for running back Jason Huntley at 172. They also improved their offensive line with guards Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg. The Lions managed to upgrade their offensive line and their defense is better. If Matthew Stafford stays healthy they can be a much better team than this list shows.
26: Dolphins
The Dolphins really got better in both free agency and the draft. They signed Kyle Van Noy, Byron Jones, Shaq Lawson, Jordan Howard, Elandon Roberts, and Ereck Flowers (who actually played decent at guard last season), while not losing anyone good. With the 5th pick, the Dolphins got the insanely talented yet injury prone Tua Tagovailoa. After getting the injury prone quarterback, improving the offensive line was a necessity. They drafted offensive tackle Austin Jackson at 19, offensive guard Robert Hunt at 39, and offensive guard Solomon Kindley at 111. They also got one target for Tua that won’t play much, wide receiver Malcolm Perry with the 246th pick. The Dolphins had to get defensive help and they got some too. They picked a very athletic cornerback, Noah Igbinoghene, at 30. They got three defensive lineman, Raekwon Davis, Jason Stowbridge, and Curtis Weaver. Davis and Stowbridge are defensive tackles, Weaver is a defensive end. All three of those players should be very good players. They also got a safety, Brandon Jones, and a long snapper named Blake Ferguson. The Dolphins defense should be average and if Tua can stay healthy they can have a decent offense this year and a super good one in a couple years.
27: Panthers
The Panthers lost Madio Addison, James Bradberry, Bruce Irvin, and Gerald McCoy. Cam Newton isn’t coming back. They also traded away Trai Turner bot back left tackle Russell Okung in that trade. They signed receivers Seth Robertson and Robby Anderson and got talented quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. In the draft, the Panthers went all defense and they were winner. To improve the defensive line they drafted Derrick Brown at 7 and Bravvion Roy at 184. Brown is a very talented player that’s been compared to Ndamukong Suh and he should be a big time contributor and a pro bowl contender from year one. The Panthers also got Yetur Gross-Matos at 37, an edge rusher that most thought would go at the end of round 1. The Panthers picked two safeties, Jeremy Chinn and Kenny Robinson Jr. Chinn, like Dugger who went to the Patriots, comes from an unknown school but is extremely athletic and versatile. Kenny Robinson Jr is a ballhawk that chose to play in the XFL so he could support his family instead of playing college football. The Panthers also got two corners, Troy Pride Jr and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III. Both of those were good value picks. All the Panthers picks fit needs and we’re very good players for where they got them. Combine that with some of the offensive moves they made in free agency such as signing Teddy Bridgewater, and they can be a team that surprisingly plays well.
28: Jets
The Jets lost Robby Anderson in free agency but replaced him with Breshad Perriman. Another notable signing they made was center Connor McGovern from the Broncos. Everything else for them wasn’t too important so they didn’t get much better or worse in the free agency period. But the Jets did have a superb draft. The Jets got a boom or bust tackle at 11 with Mekhi Becton who hopefully pans out. At pick 56, wide receiver Denzel Mims was, to everyone’s surprise, available, so they took him. The Jets also drafted a good free safety in Ashtyn Davis and a good pass rusher in Jabari Zuniga. Those were impressive picks at 69 and 78. At 120 they took a running back, Lamical Perine, and five picks later they picked James Morgan, a quarterback. The Jets also took an offensive tackle in Cameron Clark at 129, got another steal in cornerback Bryce Hall at pick 158, and got an outstanding punter, Braden Mann, at pick 191. If Darnold can play up to expectations the Jets could have move up a few spots, but nobody knows if he will.
29: Bengals
The Bengals improved in free agency; they hauled in D.J. Reader, Trae Waynes, and Vonn Bell among other players while not losing any valuable members of their team. The Bengals had ameliorated their team in the draft. They got an amazing quarterback in Joe Burrow with the first overall pick and with their 2nd rounder they got him a very good, big target in Tee Higgins. Their next two picks were my favorite because they got off-ball, modern-day linebackers that are good in coverage by picking Logan Wilson and Akeem-Davis Gaither at 65 and 107. Their last pick was another linebacker in Markus Bailey, but before that they got defensive end Khalid Kareem and offensive guard Hakeem Adenji. The Bengals had a very good draft and really improved the middle of their defense while also getting their franchise quarterback and a great target for him.
30: Jaguars
Jacksonville traded Nick Foles, A.J. Bouye, and Calais Campbell, with their best offseason signing being Joe Schobert. They also oddly kept Leonard Fournette and Yannick Ngakoue, and they should get rid of both soon. Fournette isn’t a contributor anymore and is being paid way too much money. Ngakoue is a pro bowl pass rusher but he wants out and I doubt he plays if he’s still on the team at the start of the season. At 9 they got the second best corner in C.J. Henderson, someone that the Falcons and Cowboys were looking to trade up for. At 20 they got K’Lavon Chaisson who is the 2nd best edge rusher in the draft, although he’s far behind Chase Young, and he’ll be Ngakoue’s replacement. The Jaguars got a versatile receiver in Laviska Shenault Jr at pick 42 and doubled up on receiver later on by taking Collin Johnson with pick 165. Shenault Jr can be a top player in the league if he stays healthy. The Jags took a defensive tackle and offensive tackle at 73 and 116 by taking DaVon Hamilton and Ben Bartch. Both of those players are adequate picks. They selected three defensive backs in corner Josiah Scott, safety Daniel Thomas, and corner Chris Claybrooks. Those players were picked at 137, 157, and 223. Their other picks were linebacker Shaquille Quarterman at 140, quarterback Jake Luton at 189, and tight end Tyler Davis at 206. With all those new faces on the team, the Jags might be a good team in a few years. They just need to ship out Fournette and Ngakoue and hope Minshew improves. If Minshew doesn’t get better, the Jaguars will be “Tanking for Trevor (Lawrence).”
31: Bears
The best player the Bears lost in free agency was Haha Clinton-Dix, and he was really the only contributor that’s gone from last year’s team besides Leonard Floyd. On the other hand, they traded for Nick Foles, signed Jimmy Graham, and signed Robert Quinn. At pick 43, the Bears took the best tight end in the draft, Cole Kmet. Kmet is a good blocker and receiver. With the way tight ends are valued these days I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear Kmet’s name a lot over the years. The Bears made two more impressive picks in corners Jaylon Johnson and Kindle Vildor at picks 50 and 163. Johnson is lengthy and good in press-man coverage while Vildor is shorter and feisty and will be a slot corner. Sandwiched in-between the two corners was Trevis Gipson, a DE/OLB who had 15 tackles for a loss and 8 sacks last year for Tulsa. After that they took a speedy receiver Darnell Mooney at pick 173. Mooney ran a 4.39 second 40 yard dash. Their two 7th rounders were offensive guard Arlington Hambright and offensive tackle Lachavious Simmons. I like the Bears draft, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re stuck with Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles at quarterback and will really struggle to put up points.
32: Redskins
Despite getting the best player in the draft, defensive end Chase Young, with the second pick, the Redskins are still the worst team in the league. The Redskins lost Josh Norman, Trent Williams, and Quinton Dunbar. The only starting level player they signed was running back Peyton Barber. So their offseason started out pretty bad. Chase Young was the obvious pick at 2 and after that they went with four straight offensive players. They got a versatile, fast, and quick RB/WR in Antonio Gibson, a quality offensive tackle in Saahdiq Charles, a bigger wide receiver that was surprisingly available at 142 in Antonio Gandy-Golden, and the third best center in the draft in Keith Ismael. Those are all good picks and Gibson is my favorite, he’s just so electric with the ball in his hands and can make a play at any time. After that they ended the draft with three straight players on the defensive side of the ball. They took linebacker Khaleke Hudson, safety Kamren Curl, and defensive end James Smith-Williams. The Redskins have some skilled offensive players but a bad offensive line and Dwayne Haskins looks like a big time bust. Their defense is also awful. The Redskins will have trouble getting four wins next season.
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Article And Photo Credit L. Paul Mann
The alt-rock powerhouse band known as The Revivalists brought their high energy concert to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on a chilly fall night, for the second to the last show of their 2019 “Take Good Care” tour. The show opened with a twilight set by Nashville blue-eyed soul singer Anderson East. The charismatic singer has even managed to capture the romantic attention of Miranda Lambert. The singer and his accomplished band of rock-infused musicians put on a stunning opening show. East belted out original Southern-tinged soul and blues tunes while the band wailed furiously behind him. The personable singer bantered with the crowd frequently and wandered into the crowd on several occasions. The extended opening set included several covers including, Willie Nelson’s “Somebody Pick Up My Pieces” and Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.” The crowd huddled tightly together in the cold roared with approval.
As the darkness set in around the beautiful mountainside venue and stars twinkled in the crystal clear night sky, The Revivalists sauntered onto the stage, beaming broad smiles. The eight-piece group is a powerhouse jam band fronted by animated and energetic lead singer David Shaw. In addition to Shaw, the New Orleans group includes, Zack Feinberg on guitar, Andrew Campanelli on drums, George Gekas on bass, Ed Williams playing pedal steel guitar, Rob Ingraham on saxophone, Michael Girardot on keyboards and trumpet and PJ Howard also on drums and percussion. Shaw darted about the stage, seeming to make eye contact with most everyone in the audience. Throughout the show, he would shoot into the crowd and make his way all about the venue. The band tore through a nearly two-hour high energy set that had concert-goers singing and dancing until the final encore. The setlist included many of the tracks from 2018’s “Take Good Care” album. The Revivalists opened with a selection of mostly new material, including “When I’m With You,” “You Said It All,” “You and I,” “Change,” “Oh No,” and “All My Friends.” They also ended their main set with another song from the latest album, “Celebration.” The group also played some of their older well-known tunes, including songs from the 2015 album “Men Amongst Mountains” like “It Was A Sin,” and “Catching Fireflies.”
After an extended standing ovation in the cold late night air, the band returned for a triumphant encore that stretched to four songs including, “Soulflight” from their self-titled debut EP from 2008. The group threw in a bit of Pink Floyd while playing their song “Wish I Knew You,” and they ended the evening with a brilliant take on The Rolling Stones, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
The Vina Robles Amphitheatre, which may be the best outdoor concert venue in California, ended its 2019 season with Grammy, Tony, and Emmy award-nominated singer, songwriter, actress, and author Sara Bareilles on October 27, marking a record-breaking season. According to Nederlander concerts, “The venue experienced its best season to date, with 93% growth in ticket sales since opening in 2013. The venue hosted over 65,000 fans, sold more than $4 million in ticket sales and presented 12 sellout concerts at the intimate outdoor venue. World-renowned artists such as Willie Nelson and Family, Foreigner, Sublime with Rome, Kacey Musgraves, The Avett Brothers, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, Los Ángeles Azules, Social Distortion and Flogging Molly, Peter Frampton with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, Cole Swindell and Jason Mraz were among the sellout performances.
“This was a great season for Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and I am grateful to our incredible team. We look forward to continued growth in the future with many more successful seasons for the fans and artists,” said Paul Leatherman, general manager at Vina Robles Amphitheatre.
In its seventh year of operation, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre has become one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. The boutique amphitheater is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast. Owned and operated by Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery, Nederlander Concerts has exclusively programmed the venue since 2014.
“We are thrilled with our partnership at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre and are committed to bringing more diversity and live entertainment to the Central Coasts’ burgeoning music scene,” said Alex Hodges, CEO of Nederlander Concerts. “The venue’s staff and atmosphere have created a unique experience for artists and guests, which results in consistent growth year over year.”
The Revivalists Wind Up They 2019 Tour in California Photo Credit L. Paul Mann Vandala Magazine
The Revivalists Wind Up They 2019 Tour in California Article And Photo Credit L. Paul Mann The alt-rock powerhouse band known as The Revivalists brought their high energy concert to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on a chilly fall night, for the second to the last show of their 2019 “Take Good Care” tour.
#Alternative#Andrew Campanelli#California#canon camera#change#concert photography#George Gekas#independent music#independent music magazine#Indie#it was a sing catching fireflies#l. Paul Mann#music magazine#new album#New Music Video#new release#New Single#oh no#Rock#single#Streaming#The Revivalists#Vandala#Vandala Magazine#Vina Robles Amphitheatre#you and i#Zack Feinberg
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Could Rob Gronkowski skip most of 2019 and play late in season?
Rob Gronkowski still has yet to publicly reveal whether or not he intends to play in 2019, but one former player who is well connected within the New England Patriots organization has an interesting theory about what the star tight end may do.
Willie McGinest, an NFL Network analyst who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots from 1994-2005, predicted on Tuesday that Gronkowski will begin the season retired and end up returning late in the year.
A late start to Gronk's 2019 season?@WillieMcGinest shares his thoughts on the TE’s future
: Free Agency Frenzy pic.twitter.com/CVmVQmcCVK
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 12, 2019
“I think he’s gonna to start out the season being retired,” McGinest said. “I think he’s going to get the itch. I think he’s gonna to be in great shape and he’s probably gonna have that feeling that, ‘Hey, I want to come back.’”
McGinest stressed that he did not have inside information, but it’s worth noting that the former linebacker is the one who introduced Tom Brady to his personal trainer and business partner, Alex Guerrero. Gronkowski also trains with Guerrero, so McGinest may have more knowledge of the situation than he is letting on.
“This is just my own assessment, later on, deep in the season he could possibly come back and play,” he added.
This is the second consecutive offseason that Gronkowski has openly contemplated retirement, so the Patriots would be right to question his level of motivation if he did decide to return. While Gronk may have dropped a hint immediately after the Super Bowl that he plans to play in 2019, giving him a special set of circumstances where he can skip training camp and miss the majority of the season might not play well in the locker room. That would be for Bill Belichick to decide.
from Larry Brown Sports https://ift.tt/2F8K9Lu
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Mayfield debuts, Luck returns as NFL preseason gets in gear
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Mayfield debuts, Luck returns as NFL preseason gets in gear
Welcome to the NFL, Baker Mayfield.
And welcome back to the league, Andrew Luck.
While the opening preseason game for most teams carries little intrigue as players from the back end of the roster try to strut their stuff, several story lines will be worth following Thursday night.
Start in the New Jersey Meadowlands and in Seattle.
Top overall draft pick Mayfield will see some action against the Giants, who have their own prized rookie in second overall selection Saquon Barkley. The Browns might not be counting on too much from Mayfield early on as veteran Tyrod Taylor is Cleveland’s starter, but New York expects a huge boost for its offense from the Penn State running back.
On the other coast, the Colts plan for their recently luckless quarterback to take some snaps against the Seahawks. Luck hurt the right shoulder in September 2015 against Tennessee, missed two games, then returned to make four more starts before sustaining a season-ending lacerated kidney. He played through shoulder pain in 2016, then had surgery that sidelined him for all of last season.
It’s been roughly 600 days between starts for the Colts star.
Elsewhere on the first full night of preseason games, it’s Carolina at Buffalo, Chicago at Cincinnati, New Orleans at Jacksonville, Tampa Bay at Miami, Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore, Washington at New England, Tennessee at Green Bay, Houston at Kansas City, and Dallas at San Francisco.
What to look for Thursday night around the league:
BAKER AND BARKLEY
Brimming with optimism coming off a 0-16 season, Cleveland’s plan is to have Mayfield sit and learn as a rookie behind Taylor, who will start at MetLife Stadium and play one or two series before giving way to Mayfield, who is expected to play two quarters.
“When you get the energy level up, you’ve got to be able to execute, so that’s why I’m excited about Thursday as well,” Mayfield said. “You get people hyped up, you actually get some contact in and you can focus in and do your job when there are distractions around.”
New Giants coach Pat Shurmur, who led the Browns in 2011-12, hasn’t indicated how much Barkley will play.
“I am hoping I am good to go for that game,” Barkley said. “I am more than capable to playing now. I am just happy inside to play in my first NFL game. Hopefully I can maximize every rep.”
LUCKY COLTS
Luck is expected to play most of the first quarter, likely one or two series playing in a revamped offense with an overhauled offensive line.
“I’ll be excited and a little nervous,” Luck said. “There were one or two moments where I wondered if, ‘Am I ever going to be able to do this again?'”
Seattle is also revamped. The names Sherman, Avril, Bennett and Chancellor that used to don the backs of jerseys are no longer around. It’ll be the first look at an overhauled defense where the big questions center on the secondary — star safety Earl Thomas is holding out — and what kind of pass rush can be generated.
VRABEL’S DEBUT
Mike Vrabel says he really hasn’t spent much time thinking of any pregame speech in his debut as Titans coach.
“Never really got a great motivational speech as a professional athlete,” Vrabel said. “Just had a job to do, was prepared, knew the game plan and went out and played.”
Another man with Patriots ties, cornerback Malcolm Butler, plays his first game for Tennessee. He most memorably was benched on defense for the Super Bowl in February even as New England’s secondary was torn apart by Philadelphia.
A season-ending knee injury to Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan left a hole in the run defense. Third-round pick Oren Burks will get the first chance at replacing Ryan in the base defense.
FLORIDA MATCHUP
Miami’s eyes will be on Ryan Tannehill, who like Luck sat out last season when injured. He’ll make a brief appearance against Tampa Bay, which won’t have top draftee DT Vita Vea (calf injury).
PENNSYLVANIA MATCHUP
Two teams with Super Bowl possibilities, though the regulars barely will get on the field.
Pittsburgh, of course, is without outstanding running back Le’Veon Bell, who is holding out. All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown and QB Ben Roethlisberger will sit.
With Carson Wentz still not cleared for contact and Nick Foles, the Super Bowl MVP, sidelined by muscle spasms in his shoulder and neck, third-year pro QB Nate Sudfeld starts.
CALIFORNIA MATCHUP
No, the Cowboys don’t call California home. They do spend a few weeks there in the summer, and now they’ll visit the 49ers.
Dallas is searching for leadership with tight end Jason Witten gone to ESPN and WR Dez Bryant cut.
San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo, 7-0 as a starter in his four-year career, will be taking his first snaps in a game since signing a five-year, $137.5 million contract. He’s looked good during training camp.
POUNDING THE ROCK
New Orleans and Jacksonville expect to get a brief look at their revamped ground games.
Saints running back Terrance West is trying to prove he’s the guy to fill in for Pro Bowl starter Mark Ingram, who will serve a four-game suspension to start the regular season.
Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette dropped more than 15 pounds since the start of last season and will have a retooled line with All-Pro left guard Andrew Norwell.
“I feel healthier,” said Fournette, down to 223 pounds thanks partly to 50 push-ups a night. “I want to be great. That is my weight I felt best in college.”
SECOND OUTING
Chicago already has played, using backups and losing the Hall of Fame game to Baltimore. This visit to Cincinnati, though, is the first chance to see Mitchell Trubisky operate the new offense of coach Matt Nagy in game conditions. The Trubisky to Allen Robinson connection started to show up more in practice this week.
Cincinnati overhauled its porous line, bringing in veteran tackles Cordy Glenn and Bobby Hart and drafting center Billy Price in the first round.
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY
Bills starting receiver Kelvin Benjamin will face his former team for the first time since asking the Panthers to trade him in October.
Benjamin was reprimanded by coach Sean McDermott on Sunday for questioning why Carolina drafted him and criticizing Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s accuracy.
Newton will play about 10 snaps in his first action under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
MAHOMES’ TURN
When Kansas City traded starting QB Alex Smith to Washington, the job was handed to 2017 first-rounder Patrick Mahomes. He’ll get his first turn as the Chiefs’ No. 1 quarterback against Houston.
“We are going to try to win. That is the first thing coach (Andy) Reid said when we were game planning for this week is he doesn’t like losing,” Mahomes said. “We’re going to do whatever it takes.”
PRACTICE, THEN PLAY
Joe Flacco makes his preseason debut for Baltimore after watching three other quarterbacks run the offense against Chicago. Flacco will likely be paired with a new flock of receivers that includes John Brown, Willie Snead, Michael Crabtree and first-round draft pick Hayden Hurst. The Rams will be playing their first preseason game following a pair of joint practices with the Ravens earlier this week.
WHO GETS THE BALL?
The Redskins’ running back competition will be front and center at the Patriots. Second-round pick Derrius Guice will get an opportunity to show he can be No. 1, with third-down back Chris Thompson and Rob Kelley seeing action. The likes of Samaje Perine, Byron Marshall and Kapri Bibbs figure to compete for a roster spot.
New England WR Julian Edelman made several rounds of apologies when his four-game suspension was handed down by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancers. He plans to use what’s left of training camp to make sure his surgically repaired knee will be ready when he returns. Edelman missed the entire 2017 season with a torn right anterior cruciate ligament.
By Associated Press
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#Chicago at Cincinnati#Luck returns#Mayfield debuts#Mitchell Trubisky#New England#New Jersey Meadowlands#NFL#NFL preseason gets#Saquon Barkley#TodayNews
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CQN continue our EXCLUSIVE extracts from Alex Gordon’s book, ‘The Lisbon Lions: The 40th Anniversary’, which spotlights the men who played their way in the Hoops’ Hall of Fame following their phenomenal feat of becoming the first British club to conquer Europe.
Today, Alex places the focus on the club’s extraordinary goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson, a model professional who looked as though his days in the top flight were numbered before a surprise move to Parkhead.
RONNIE SIMPSON should have finished season 1966/67 playing for Berwick Rangers in the old Scottish Second Division where they finished 10th in a league of 20.
Instead, as the history books show, he picked up a European Cup medal, played his first game for the Scotland international side and was voted the Football Writers’ Player of the Year. Take into consideration the fact he also won medals in the league, the Scottish Cup, the League Cup and the Glasgow Cup.
Not bad for someone whose next birthday would see him turn 37.
Yet things could have turned out so differently for the Lisbon Lion, known affectionately to his team-mates as ‘Faither’ because of his advancing years. He had dropped out of the Hibs first team with Willie Wilson taking over the No.1 spot. His Easter Road career looked as good as obliterated and Berwick Rangers were searching for a new goalkeeper. They turned their attention to Simpson and they were confident of landing the experienced professional. Hibs would hardly prove difficult to deal with as far as the transfer fee was concerned.
SAFE HANDS…Ronnie Simpson shows his fabulous reflexes as he makes a flying save.
That was when fate stepped in to so rudely interrupt Berwick Rangers’ progress in their pursuit of Simpson. Celtic, too, were in the market for another keeper. John Fallon was the man in possession, but they did not have reliable cover.
The unpredictable Frank Haffey, who conceded nine goals to England at Wembley in 1961, had just been sold to Swindon Town for £8,000 in 1964. That opened the door for Simpson and he decided “it was worth a chance”.
However, he couldn’t have been best pleased when he was told, a year later in March 1965, that Jock Stein was about to take over as manager of Celtic. After hearing the news about the impending arrival of Stein, Simpson is reported to have gone straight home and informed his wife Rosemary that she should get ready to pack.
“We’re on the move again,” he was alleged to have said. It was Stein, of course, as Hibs boss, who had sold Simpson for a transfer fee described by the the-then Celtic boss Jimmy McGrory as being in the region of “sweeties”.
Most assuredly, glory, medals and international honours did not figure in the wildest dreams of Simpson at that stage of his career.
There had been talk of a fall-out between the player and the manager nearing the end of his days at Hibs. Neither Simpson nor Stein was ever eager to talk about any friction between the pair. Luckily for Celtic, if there had been any ill-feeling between them, it never surfaced in their six years together in Glasgow.
NINETY MINUTES FROM GLORY…Ronnie Simpson is flanked by Billy McNeill and Tommy Gemmell before the kick-off in Lisbon.
Naturally, their finest moment came in the Portuguese capital against Inter Milan and, quite remarkably, that historic game came almost 22 years after Simpson made his debut, at 14 years and eight months, for Queen’s Park in a Summer Cup-tie against Clyde at Hampden in June 1945.
Remember, too, this was the goalkeeper who had represented Great Britain four times as an amateur and played twice in the 1948 Olympic Games. He had also earned two English FA Cup medals in 1952 and 55 with Newcastle United. Those not-inconsiderable achievements might have been more than enough for most individuals. Simpson had also served Third Lanark in his distinguished career before eventually landing at Celtic.
Jock Stein, in fact, did keep faith with John Fallon when he took over in 1965. And it was Fallon who was in goal a month later when Celtic defeated Dunfermline 3-2 in a dramatic Scottish Cup Final with Billy McNeill claiming the winner with a typical soaring header from a Charlie Gallagher left-wing corner-kick as the game nudged towards full-time.
But a year later it was Simpson who was in charge when Celtic again made their way to Hampden for another Scottish Cup climax against Rangers.
Unfortunately, for Ronnie and his team-mates, it wasn’t to be a happy conclusion on this occasion as the Ibrox side won 1-0 in a tension-laden replay after a goalless draw in the first confrontation. Simpson, as usual, was blameless as a thumping first-time effort from the Ibrox side’s right-back Kai Johansen almost burst the net.
Better times were ahead, of course. And everyone who can remember the Lisbon encounter with the stylish Italians still talk about Simpson’s cheeky backheel to team-mate John Clark when he was out of his penalty area with Inter Milan centre-forward Renato Cappellini charging down on him.
That was typical Simpson, though. A marvellous piece of improvisation from a goalkeeper who often said: “I don’t care how I keep the ball out of the net. It can hit my elbow, my knee, my backside – just so long as it doesn’t cross the line. That’s my only concern.”
Ronnie Simpson, who sadly passed away following a heart attack on April 19 2004 at the age of 73, was a one-off. He thoroughly deserves his place in Celtic legend.
Right-back Jim Craig recalled: “Ronnie may have been the oldest guy in the team, but he was also one of the most agile. Age hadn’t robbed him of his flexibility.
“He was good fun, too. I’ll tell you this, though – he was a bit of a cheat. I well remember our team photographs back then when you had the likes of Billy McNeill, Tommy Gemmell and myself standing in the back row alongside Ronnie.
“Now Ronnie used to tell people he was around 5ft 10in or so. But when he stood alongside us – and we were all 6ft-plus – he would get up on his tip-toes to appear taller. What height was he? I never found out, but I still think he was maybe just a wee bit shorter than two inches short of 6ft!
“Mind you, it didn’t really matter because Ronnie had all the ability in the world. His experience was invaluable to Celtic. It was always kind of difficult to believe that our goalkeeper was making his debut for Queen’s Park when most of the Lisbon Lions were still in nappies!”
TOMORROW: The Spirit of 67: Another Celtic legend is in the spotlight.
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