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.
It was a pleasure helping Anthony with his research, and I’d like to share with you a tale from the book, where Anthony describes an amusing exchange with the late and great Bob Paisley.
'At the end of the 1970’s, the Jewish Chronicle rang Bob Paisley to enquire whether his new signing, Avi Cohen, was orthodox. “Orthodox what?” the Liverpool boss replied. "Orthodox midfielder? Orthodox defender?" If Avi was an orthodox Jew, the journalist explained, he couldn’t play on a Saturday. "But I’ve got half a dozen like that already," quipped Paisley.'
* Talking about classic quotes, two JC MSFL managers were on top form after their matches at the weekend.
The first came from Oakwood A joint-manager Ric Blank. All eyes were on recent signing Josh Bentley in the JC MSFL Premier Division clash between defending champions Hendon and Oakwood A. Having secured the services of the former Hendon captain during the summer, Bentley didn’t disappoint. After describing him as a “colossus in the middle of the park,” Blank added: “I can’t understand why Hendon let him go, but I’m delighted they did.”
The second came from Oakwood B boss Ian Tussie following the 5-0 mauling of Hendon C. “This was our best performance of the season,” said Tussie. “Something happened over Yom Kippur, some serious repenting by the Oaks clearly had an effect. After last week’s laboured performance, this was just what the chazan ordered."
* It was good Brady Maccabi A’s Josh Rosenfeld smiling again. Following a spell as manager, when he guided the team back into the Premier Division, Rosenfeld made his first appearance in four years following injury, and he took just six minutes to make his mark, with a goal in the 5-2 win over Norstar A. "I’ve still got it," Rosenfeld said.
* Sunday looks set to be a busy day for Los Blancos keeper Josh Cohen. His team host London Maccabi Lions A in the first round of the cup, with the Lions going into the tie on the back of consecutive defeats.
If you recall, Cohen was a key player in Blancos’ epic run to the League Cup semi-finals a couple of years ago, but with Mike Pearson in top form, I’m predicting a heavy defeat.
* Faithfold A centre half Daniel Howard is my Player of the Month for September following a string of fine performances that have kept the Superhoops flying high at the top of the table.
There’s double delight for the team with Zuriel Solomon winning the top manager accolade. Under Solomon, Faithfold remain unbeaten five games into a season that promises much.
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