Meet the New Soccer Guy, Same As the Old Soccer Guy - kelvinmak's Blog

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kelvinmak's Blog

Meet the New Soccer Guy, Same As the Old Soccer Guy Stuck

Posted on January 7, 2013 at 05:46 PM.

(5)

Damn, that's some good looking hair.

Happy 2013, folks. The world didn't end, but now you've got me as a blogger for the soccer beat. I'd say that's about an even tradeoff.

(On a sidenote, I can finally call myself a blogger. Now how about them mainstream media dinosaurs?)

For those who don't know me, I was OS' soccer writer, before this transition to a more blogocentric (?) structure, since 2011. I've been playing soccer games since the days of FIFA 94 on my Mega Drive, and I consider PES 5 to still be the best soccer game ever, though FIFA 13 comes close in quite a few respects. And if you really care, I also play the sport as well, as a below average keeper with a reputation of spilling crosses for my rec league team. Goalie is pretty much the only position I can handle, being very out of shape and all. (Yes, the occasional dissemination of useless information will very likely be an ongoing theme in this blog.)

I've said this many times before, but I'll say it again: us soccer fans have it great when it comes to video games. Unlike the other sports, we have two legitimately stellar franchises to choose from, plus another one that I consider to be the best sports management title bar none. Better yet, all three of these games-- FIFA, PES, Football Manager-- are at the point in their respective cycles where we're probably going to see substantial changes in the next year or two. Exciting times indeed.

Logistically there won't be too many changes. I'll just be doing more of the quicker, shorter style blog entries instead of the longer feature pieces. Some of it will be serious and some will be of the lighter variety. And if I'm really running out of stuff to fill my quota, you may occasionally see a post filled entirely with cat gifs.

I'll also be wading into the real soccer world, especially in these coming months, since usually very little happens in January to March when it comes to video games. And because every handbook I've read on the subject of blogs advised me to do and say anything I can to generate hits and replies, from time to time I will also list reasons as to why Andy Carroll is better than Messi (his luscious locks, for one.)

Now the apocalypse didn't seem like such a bad option, eh?

In all seriousness though, leave a few lines as to what you want to see and read around these parts. The blog, really, is to generate discussion as much as it is to illustrate my viewpoint on things. So do drop by and say hello, and if you really want to, engage in a reasoned and civil debate about Carroll vs. Messi, even if big Andy is clearly the better player, obvs.

Comments

# 1 msuhockeycj @ Jan 7

If you attempt to write a column debating the merits of Andy Carroll over Messi I will cease reading at that syllable to never return again. If you continue to write actually relevant and thought provoking columns on the world of soccer I will follow along.

As to what I would maybe like to see, I would appreciate a look into MLS topics to educate people on our local league. Any other banter about the EPL or Champions League would probably go over well. Look into big games, possibly clubs for those who are unaware of the history. If you need help with MLS stuff feel free to PM me and I can give you some insight.

# 2 kelvinmak @ Jan 7

But... but... that hair!

Seriously though, yeah, I plan to do a periodic links roundup and reaction piece of some sort, most will probably center around the Premier League and the Champions League, and with some bits and pieces of MLS stuff thrown in.

It actually raises something that I'm curious about... seeing as though OS' soccer forum is dominated by EPL discussion by quite a fair bit (with, I'm guessing, La Liga and the MLS being second and third) I'm curious to see how many OSers here follow the Serie A, Ligue 1, and/or the Bundesliga?

# 3 Ikki @ Jan 8

I'm french but I'm not really interested in la Ligue 1. I follow the EPL, Newcastle fan here.

Still amazed we sold Carroll to Liverpool for that much ��.

# 4 gigadkc @ Jan 8

I follow the Bundesliga. Probably because I'm a Bayern M�nchen season ticket holder since the mid 90s XD

not that interested in other leagues anymore. These days the Bundesliga is by far the most exciting league anyway, the EPL and Serie A lost quite some quality over the last few years. They're stagnating when it comes to tactics, they're like lightyears behind Spain's and Germany's top teams. Unfortunately Spain's league isn't that exciting either, pretty boring when you know that Barca and Real win 99 out of 100 titles. All I watch is the Clasico and that's it.

# 5 kelvinmak @ Jan 8

Yeah, I'd say the Bundesliga is quickly rocketing up the charts as one of my favorite leagues to watch. I know everybody says this, but watching Dortmund's quick and efficient-- how German-- style these past two years just really reeled me in, even if they're probably not going to retain the title unless a miracle happens. Speaking of which, Bayern ain't too shabby either