Record breaking transfer window frenzy

There are many things people will be questioning this morning and one of those has to be is Fernando Torres who was sold to Chelsea FC really worth £50m and will Andy Carroll joining Liverpool FC for 35m change everything? Between the two clubs they spent a massive £128.8 million in the hope of climbing to the top of the Premier League.

It was a chaotic day for everyone involved and up until the last hour everyone was trying to secure new players some which were only just signed with minutes to spare. The British transfer record was broken twice in one hour and it is reported that premier league clubs spent over £200m in fees this month compared to £29m last year. As record breaking deals were signed Torres became the most costly British transfer in history and Carroll is now the eighth most expensive purchase in football history.

Many Liverpool fans are disappointed with Torres about the way he played in his last few days but once again Kenny Dalglish put it all into perspective with his press conference speech telling the fans and players that no one is bigger than the club. But to add more drama to this record breaking week Torres is expected to make his debut this weekend at home in Stamford Bridge to Liverpool. I am sure fans will travel down to London for this match ready to show Torres exactly what he is missing out on.

What do you think about the clubs new signings?

Superbreak Football returns to raise funds for Sport Relief

Even if you’re not a devoted follower of the game, it’s hard not get swept up by football fever with all the major finals taking place across the UK and Europe over the next month, before the world’s finest head to South Africa for the World Cup.

England is famed as a nation of football lovers, and you can be sure that the Superbreak office is no exception! Especially as next week sees the return of our annual Superbreak Football match, a fun and active charity event that sees players from marketing, accounts and even the MD being bidded on by two of the top hotels in York.

This year’s traditional Over 30′s vs. Under 30′s match is getting a bit of a makeover thanks to its sponsorship by the Park Inn York hotel and Holiday Inn York hotel, both of which will be making generous contributions to Sport Relief as they fight a bidding war to secure the best Superbreak talent for their teams.

Anyone interested in coming along to a match that’s sure to go down in (Superbreak) history can head to the grass pitches at Burnholme Community College in York next Thursday, 6th May, where the action will kick off at 6.30 in the evening. Not only are you guaranteed a great game of football for a worthy cause, but some of us will also be showing our support from the sidelines as the official Superbreak FC cheerleaders!

Forget Wembley Stadium and Hampden Park, what better start to the football finals than this charity kick-about? Our thanks go to The Park Inn York and Holiday Inn York for getting involved and helping us raise much-needed funds for Sport Relief.

Mixing football with travel fun

You might have gathered from some past posts on this blog that, here at Superbreak, we like a bit of football fun! I’m definitely an avid supporter of these football shenanigans, but can’t say I’m much of a player myself. That said, I do tend to get quite involved when there’s a big match or tournament on – like last year, I got very obsessed with Euro 2008, despite England’s failure to qualify.

Football in May is quite enjoyable too as the month seems to be full of league finals, both here and elsewhere in Europe. A few of my friends are Everton fans and they’re heading down to London for the FA Cup Final against Chelsea at the end of month. One of them is taking his son who’s never been to London before, and was asking me for tips on family attractions in the capital. Of course, I duly obliged but it got me thinking – pairing a football outing with an actual holiday would be the perfect way to fit a timely short break into your life.

For instance, I know – ok, well I was told! – that at least one team from the English Premier League will be in the Champions League Final, depending on who wins the Barcelona v Chelsea and Arsenal v Manchester United semi finals. But whoever’s in it, there’s sure to be plenty of British tourists and football fans in Rome for the final on May 27th. If you’re visiting and you’ve never been to Rome before, it’s the perfect time to take in some of its ancient delights. The Coliseum really is a sight to behold, as is the Roman Forum and too many other relics of Old Rome to mention here.

My favourite part of Rome, however, is the Trastevere district, which is replete with mesmerising cobbled streets and has some wonderfully authentic bars and restaurants. And, unsurprisingly, I love the food too! To me, there are few things better than relaxing in a Roman piazza and enjoying some authentic cannelloni with a glass of red wine that’s probably been bottled only a few miles down the road.

Rome isn’t the only place you can mix football and fun this month either. This year’s UEFA Cup Final is on May 20th in Istanbul – no English or Scottish teams here in 2009 though. Still, if you’re going to be in town, there’s so much to do in this city, Turkey’s biggest and most cultural. I only paid a fleeting visit there a few years ago on route to somewhere else, but I was very impressed and have always wanted to go back. Views along the Bosphorus, which divides the city, are spectacular and there’s some great food (more than just Doner kebabs!).

Maybe next year’s World Cup in South Africa will have more people visiting the country too. Perhaps I should start preparing my South Africa travel guide for my football mad friends now… In any case, it’ll have to wait until after I’m back from my long weekend in Edinburgh. Enjoy the bank holiday and I’ll be sure to report back with the latest buzz from the Scottish capital next week!

Superbreak FC 4 – 0 Ioko Cardicarrest

“Growing up, your mother probably told you that it isn’t nice to laugh at other people’s mistakes. Sometimes it is best to ignore mum’s advice. Especially when it involves the blunders of a goalkeeper, which will forever keep us amused.”
Manager Andrew’s Superbreak FC, flattered with a 4-0 victory over Ioko Cardicarrest, sat back and reflected over a disjointed performance. Passes were hit and miss, player communication was below par and Steve shot wide, high, on the half volley, towards the corner flag and once in to orbit. Seamous was guilty of missed opportunities in front of goal and manager Andrew had a defensively sound game….full moon?

Further pressure mounted on last seasons top scorer Matt as yet another game passed without a goal, and the Khalid counter after being replaced to zero was already racking up the minutes bless him.

Keeper Matthew stood strong against the leagues lowest scorer and when called upon spread himself wide saving the ball with testicular reactions. Down and hurt he heroically played the ball out to Mike J but then curled up in the faecal position. A real man may have stood tall and bellowed is that all you have? I have a right testicle too!
Defensive Error – Ioko Cardicarrests defender runs into the box as pressure is placed upon him resulting in a penalty. Penalty taker Mike strode up to the spot. Ball placed, whistle blown, goal scored, done! 1-0.

Defensive Error – Ioko Cardicarrests same defender receives the ball from the keeper and with a classic 6-a side schoolboy error passes it straight back to the keeper resulting in a free kick 8 yards out. Fan favourite Chris eyes up the keepers positioning behind the wall and whispers to Mike, “I fancy this”. Meanwhile manager Andrew discusses with Seamous as they rest on the bench, the likelihood of fan favourite Chris scoring. Manager Andrew was less than confident and aired on the side of caution hoping for the pass rather than a “greedy shot.” Seamous belief in fan favourite Chris and his goal scoring ability was rewarded with a good strike on goal and joined with erratic goalkeeping resulting in the ball ricocheting around the keepers legs and in to the goal, 2-0!

Defensive Error – Ioko Cardicarrests goalkeepers throw out was poor and interpreted by Seamous who calmly played fan favourite Chris in on goal who slotted the ball through the goalkeeper and into the back of the net, 3-0.
Defensive Error – Huntington Road officials on video replay denied early claims for a Steven goal as the ball was clearly travelling away from the goal when it rebounded off the post and onto the goalkeepers back, 4-0! In sealing Ioko Cardicarrests fate another shot from Steve in the last minute resulted in a clean strike hitting the post and rebounding out hitting the goalkeeper in the back and rebounding in for an own goal.

The final whistle blew and only goal difference separated Superbreak FC from a promotional spot.

Superbreak FC 1 – 1 E.T.F.C

Posted by Nick

“Matt, where, are, yoooooooou!” Manager Andrew desperate cry could be heard over the Yorkshire moors as Superbreak FC coughed and spluttered in front of goal. With his head hung low as another push for promotion was slapped back in his face, he spoke honestly and frankly. “We were let down tonight! Superman, the man of steel, he has many strengths and only one real weakness…kryptonite. You could ask him if he would mind helping you out one night of the week with some heavy lifting and Superman would be like, yeah of course man, just so long as I don’t run in to any kryptonite, it makes me all tingly and week, and then I’ll be of no use at all. Now Mr Lee, if he was a superhero his only weakness would have to be RELIABILITY! Reliability dam it! We struggled tonight! Dam his reliab…………Suddenly Manager Andrew felt an injection in his right arm and his eyes glazed over. The official statement read;

“Manager Andrew has been suffering from acute match stress which has been brought about through the teams dwindling league form and table positioning. We expect him to make a full and calm recovery”

Fan favourite Chris C longed for form of old in front of goal on this cold, crisp Monday evening. Seamous and Khalid ran the midfield with Danny and Manager Andrew in defence. Captain Mike filled the goal in the absence of keeper Nick. Nick was ordered to be baptised by Seamous and to change his name under Manager Andrew’s authority, in a hope to forget “the bad times” a rebirth. The seasons under “Matthew” have seen clean sheets, money laundering and an atrocious own goal while playing out on pitch, which started Superbreak FC’s downward spiral. You could say it’s all Nick’s fault!

Kick-off, 30 seconds of play, a high ball lofted down the pitch and a glancing header to Captain Mike saw E.T.F.C’s take the lead within the minute. Manager Andrew did everything he could in trying to header the high ball back to his keeper but as he flicked the ball back the sand slowed the ball and keeper Mike could only stand there in agony as the striker ran on and slipped the ball past him, 1-0!

Midway through the first half Manager Andrew played the ball up to fan favourite Chris who soothed the ball with his instep as Seamous ran ahead. Fan favourite Chris’s reverse pass landed perfectly in Seamous path as he ran on to the ball and slotted it into the bottom left corner of the goal, 1-1!

The second half saw Superbreak FC on the defensive and Captain Mike on the ball. First class reaction saves kept the score low for Superbreak FC. His finest moment saw a snap shot into the top right corner palmed out as he dove through the air and tipped the ball around the post.

E.T.F.C’s defender mopped up Captain Mike’s long throws as Superbreak FC tried to beat E.T.F.C for pace at the back.

Superbreak FC were without any substitutes and struggled for fitness as the minutes passed by. Fans favourite Chris had a chance late on but failed to control the pass and any further attack broke down. Danny linked up play with Khalid but they both struggled to keep up with the play. Manager Andrew defended with bravery and honour as he took blame and responsibility for the first goal and his defensive efforts showed his full class.

The clock ticked down. Ten seconds remaining. Mike though the ball from goal and E.T.F.C’c defender missed the header. Seamous gambled and ran beyond him. The ball bounced. Five seconds remaining. Seamous watched the ball come down and struck it on the half volley. A clean connection to the right of the goal saw the shot inches wide of the left post. With his head in his hands he heard the final whistle blow and the points shared.

Could you blame Manager Andrew for his “header” back to the keeper and Seamous for his last second miss? The answer is of course yes, without those two incidences Superbreak FC would have been victorious, but with Superbreak FC’s tight team spirit the lads stood close at the death…and blamed Nick’s mother for having him.

Love to Khalid.

Superbreak FC 1 – 0 York Ox

“In 2009 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum-security stockade to the North Yorkshire underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the S-Team.”

The S-Team are: Andrew “Hannibal”, Mike “Howling Mad”, Seamous “Face”, Khalid “B.A.” Baracus, Reporter Wayne “Triple A”, Show Creator Danny “Frank Lupo”. Extras; Nick.

Manager Andrew “Hannibal” puffed out a ring of smoke and spoke as he held his cigar between his teeth. “We’ve lost vital points in recent weeks boys. We’ve been called in here to take three points from York Ox. Extra Nick walks by. Manager Andrew “Hannibal” whispers to Seamous “ Face”, “You know how he hates the pitch, well we’ve got to get him on that pitch! Show creator Danny “Frank Lupo” writes in to the script that Mike “Howling Mad” brings the team some pre match oranges. Khalid “B.A.” Baracas looks at Mike “Howling Mad” and says, “I don’t trust you fool! I ain’t getting on no pitch!” and switches oranges with him. Mike “Howling Mad” eats his orange and comes over all faint and collapses. Khalid “B.A.” Baracas looks on smugly as he eats his pre match orange. Suddenly he looks around and his eyes close as he slumps to the ground. Mike “Howling Mad” springs to his feet, “How did I do boss?!”. Manager Andrew “Hannibal” stubs out his cigar, “Lets get him on that pitch boys!”

Mike “Howling Mad” played as a holding striker as Superbreak FC played without striker and fan favourite Chris (back problem), Steven (back problem) hmmm?! and Matt (baby sitting for own child…so I guess being a dad). Mike “Howling Mad” managed to piece together attacks from high balls, flick-on and occasional passes to his feet.

Midway through the first half Mike “Howling Mad” took a corner kick that York Ox failed to defend. The ball ran to Seamous “ Face” who drove the shot low into the bottom right of the goal, 1-0!

Khalid “B.A.” Baracas came round from his compromised pre match orange and pitied the York Ox defence as he helped to link up play and attack balls flicked on from Mike “Howling Mad”.

Defender Manager Andrew “Hannibal” locked up the defence with show creator Danny “Frank Lupo” who’s last ditch tackles kept York Ox at bay and his breaks from defence helped to relieve pressure on the extra, Nick.

Extra and keeper Nick performed to a level that show creator Danny “ Frank Lupo” couldn’t ignore or pay minimum wage to any longer. Distribution was effective, his positioning shouts to his players were listened to but of course the decisions were thought through thoroughly before acting on, and a fine finger tip save late on in the second half was knocked on to the bar from a tight angle and was pivotal in awarding Superbreak FC with the three points.

Manager Andrew “Hannibal” commanded his players and rotated his subs much to the distaste of Mike “Howling Mad” who was heard to have shouted, “don’t make any stupid late decisions and bring on Wayne for these last few minutes as his touch isn’t happening today and it’s like playing with a man down…(he takes a breath)…but we would like to thank him for his efforts as he has defended like a true champion and blacked many passes and runs”

A blue card was awarded before the final whistle to York Ox as a professional hand-ball and some back chat to the referee saw the player leave the pitch muttering and with his head down. This didn’t spoil the Superbreak FC celebrations as the three points were secured but with the league currently out of there hands.