Faithfold have gone from a work in progress to the real deal

Martin Luther King once told us about his dream. What Faithfold A have achieved so far this season must surely be beyond Zuriel Solomon’s wildest dreams.

Solomon had a vision a few years ago, around the time his team were going through what can only be described as a period of transition.

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Warning: Pollock’s young guns can take the world by storm

It would be foolish to label Team GB favourites to win the Open football competition at the 19th Maccabiah Games at this stage, but I’m genuinely excited by David Pollock’s squad. There’s a strong nucleus of top-level Jewish footballers, with a nice blend of youth and experience. And there is a strong emphasis on the future too.

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Courageous Chippeck has left his mark in more ways than one

The world of Jewish football is this week mourning the loss of a dear friend after Jonathan Chippeck passed away following a long illness.

Nicknamed Chipdog, Jonathan was to this day the only player who made me see stars on the pitch. He was a great competitor, hard as nails and would run through a brick wall for the cause.

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Big signings continue, but it’s all about the top three for me

The race for this season’s JC MSFL title is turning into a gripping contest. With defending champions Hendon wobbling, pace-setters Faithfold and Redbridge Jewish Care have built up a nice head of steam and only Oakwood,

FC Team, and possibly Lions, look capable of getting in the mix. But for me, it’s all about the big three.

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SBL determined to show actions speak louder than words

Slowly, slowly has never been the right approach to tackle racism or antisemitism, especially in the football world. With this in mind, I must commend The Society of Black Lawyers for their hands-on approach in an attempt to eradicate the disgusting songs on the terraces at White Hart Lane and that accompany matches involving Spurs.

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I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly over seven years

As I celebrate my seven-year anniversary at the JC, I’d like to reflect on some highlights, and there’s been quite a few.

I joined the paper just a couple of months after becoming a father for the second time, fresh from helping Team GB win cricket bronze at the 18th Maccabiah Games in Israel.

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Foolish actions have hurt the club for whom discipline is key

The warning signs have been there for many a week now, but despite the best efforts of club chairman Nigel Kyte, the disciplinary problems at Temple Fortune A came to a head in a big way last weekend.

Three red cards in one match is no way for what is now the league’s longest-serving club to carry on.

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If they don’t get the message, there’s only one thing left to do

When it comes to penalties, the English are not very good at them on the pitch, but off the pitch, it’s a totally different story. Just ask Luis Suarez.

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Guttman’s gamble must pay off for Israel World Cup dream

The decision to drop Yossi Benayoun from the Israel squad is a bold one to say the least. Manager Eli Guttman recently threatened not to select players who were not first-choice for their clubs and he has backed up his words with actions.

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Even Liverpool greats make it into the new must-read book

The latest edition of the Kick It Out newsletter features a section on Anthony Clavane’s latest offering, Does your Rabbi know you’re here.

I’m looking forward to receiving a copy of the book, which is a must-read for all football fans, not just Jewish ones.

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