Competitions

• Ladbrokes Launch #10kAccaChallenge

  League sponsors Ladbrokes have today launched a new free to enter weekly competition primarily aimed at twitter users which asks users to predict the outcome of 10 of the weekend matches.

  Guessing all ten correctly lands a whopping £10K jackpot (see terms below of how the competition works)

  All of the details, and this weeks games are available to view at the dedicated website at http://www.10kaccachallenge.com

  Good luck !

   

   

  #10kAccaChallenge Terms and Conditions
  
  The Ladbrokes #10kAccaChallenge gives you the chance to win a £10,000 prize.
  
  Customers can predict the results of ten pre-selected football matches at the following website 10kAccaChallenge.com.
  
  To win, you must predict the results, enter your twitter handle and confirm. This will automatically generate a tweet to @Ladbrokes with the selected results.
  
  If more than one entrant correctly predicts the ten results, the £10,000 prize will be awarded to the entrant who correctly predicts the total number of goals scored in the ten fixtures.
  If more than one entrant correctly predicts the ten results and the total number of goals scored then the £10,000 will be equally divided between the winning entrants.
  If no entrant correctly guesses the total number of goals the £10,000 prize will be awarded to the entrant who’s prediction is closest to the total number of goals scored in the ten fixtures.

• Taxi For Farrell

  David Farrell was a hard man on the park. By his own admission he was far from the most gifted of footballers, but no one who saw him snarl, slide and smash his way around the park would question his commitment to the cause of the many clubs he played for during his career. Not least for fear of how the 46-year-old Glaswegian might react to that particular line of interrogation.
  
  But now Farrell’s secret is out. The hard man act was just that, a role he played to cover up his own technical deficiencies and allow him to earn his place at the same table as more talented teammates and opponents. In reality ‘Faz’ is no fighter – “mild-mannered, quiet and as close to a pacifist as you get in Dennistoun” is how he describes himself in Taxi For Farrell: Football Between The Lines, his critically acclaimed new autobiography charting the life of a journeyman pro. The book and his popular blog have outed their author as intelligent, thoughtful and witty. He has even been spotted wearing reading glasses at recent promotional events.

  We have three copies of the new book to give away in time for Xmas. Read on to get more details!

  Farrell started his career at the top level of English football and found himself in Scotland's bottom division 18 years later. During that time he faced a never-ending battle to prove he was good enough to make it in the game, sacrificing his body and lying to medical staff in order to preserve his career throughout.
  
  He crossed paths with big names such as Mark Lawrenson, Steve Archibald, Paul Ince and others but for the most part he was in the company of other honest pros, none of whom would make a fortune from the game or experience any of the glamour that the elite enjoy. Instead they slogged their guts out to provide for their families while playing a game they loved. After hanging up his boots, a coaching career followed that not only didn't lead to the hoped-for top managerial job but resulted in him becoming familiar with the dole office and forcing his family to make sacrifices for his own selfish desire to remain in the game at all costs.
  
  Taxi For Farrell goes where the Sky cameras don't dare roll - where clubs lurch from one catastrophe to another, where teenage neds who steal a side's training ball are relentlessly pursued by its star player through the streets of Glasgow's least fashionable postcodes, and where speculators and spivs prey on the dreams of everyday fans and players.
  
  We chatted to its writer about the book and about his spells at Oxford United, Hibernian, Partick Thistle, Airdrieonians, Clydebank, Stranraer, Albion Rovers, Gretna, Dundee, Notts County, Clyde and Celtic Nation.
  
  
  The back cover to Taxi For Farrell states that “this is the story of real football, told by someone who experienced its highs and lows from the inside” yet it would appear there were more lows than highs, is that a fair reflection on your career?
  
  There may be more lows in the book, but that's only because no one ever tells you about how difficult a career football can sometimes be. That was just a bigger part of the story I wanted to tell. I enjoyed my career immensely. It was all I ever wanted to do, so I wouldn't allow a few low points to dampen that.
  
  
  What was the lowest point?
  
  When playing, the lowest point was being injured long-term during liquidation at Airdrie. As a coach it comes after you have been sacked. At Dundee in particular it was difficult having to go through a 9 months fight to have a contract paid up.
  
  
  And the highest point?
  
  Playing in the League Cup Final with Hibs. Although we lost it was still incredible for me to be there as a player.
  
  
  Who is the best player you played against? And the best you played alongside?
  
  Paul McStay and Brian Laudrup were the two best I played against. Different types of player, but both equally evasive and destructive. The best I played with was Steve Archibald, a phenomonal striker.
  
  
  And most difficult opponent?
  
  Stuart McCall. A tireless workhorse and as tough as teak. He was a real warrior and it was a pleasure to come up against people like that.
  
  
  Who was the best manager you’ve played under?
  
  Alex MacDonald. A gentleman, a winner, a passionate football man and a motivator.
  
  
  You are a lifelong Celtic supporter but have played against them many times. Players known to be Old Firm fans are often accused of not turning it on against their team, is that a complete myth?
  
  Yes. I always wanted to prove I was good enough to be picked up by them, even if I never actually believed it myself. I'd do my best and clatter into any Celtic player as fiercely as I would have any Rangers player.
  
  
  But did you try extra hard against Rangers? I’m thinking of a certain tackle on Mark Hateley in that League Cup final here…
  
  No. I tried as hard against Stenhousemuir as I did against Rangers or anyone else. The Hateley tackle was just one of those. It could have been anyone and on many occasions it was. It just so happened that one was live on TV
  
  
  In the book, your blog and interviews you’ve talked a lot about footballers not being the ignorant Neanderthals they are often made out to be, where does the stereotype of the stupid footballer come from?
  
  I think it comes from certain players over the last 30 years having lived up to that reputation and it being highlighted. It makes a better story than the countless intelligent players who sit back, say nothing and just get on with their football.
  
  Another stereotype that you’ve tried to challenge is that of Celtic and Rangers fans being hate-filled bigots and it’s fair to say that your best mate Alex Rae is of a different persuasion to yourself, do you think the media portrayal of sectarianism in Scottish football is unfair?
  
  No, it's not unfair because it exists, but now that it has a label 'sectarianism', there are instances that are highlighted which years ago would have meant nothing. I grew up with it. Language that is now offensive was just part of growing up. It doesn't make it more acceptable because the world changes, but I’ve never been offended by being called a fenian, mickey, taig, tim bastard. I'd be more offended if someone had thought I’d dived for a penalty or feigned injury in a tackle!
  
  
  What inspired you to start blogging and to write a book?
  
  Partly to dispel those stereotypes I talked about and partly because I got fed up reading columns by ex-players which either did no more than pay lip service to the game’s issues or were nothing more than self-publicity vehicles. I thought, I can do better than that.
  
  
  Throughout your career, you seemed to find yourself at clubs enduring financial difficulties, is that part of the package for players at a certain level?
  
  I'd say it's part of the package, but I’d also say that I was unluckier than most having been part of a catalogue of clubs courting financial disaster.
  
  
  You had offers from Scottish sides before signing as an apprentice with Oxford United, why did you decide to try your luck in England?
  
  I just felt I had to take the opportunity as I never get the chance to go to England and play football again, which proved to be the case.
  
  
  Your time at Firhill ended under something of a cloud after a fall out with manager John McVeigh. If you had our time again would you have bit your lip or would you still stand up to the manager in that situation?
  
  I would have absolutely NOT have done anything differently. I was principled and I felt I had to stand up for that.
  
  
  What impact did Airdrie going into administration and liquidation have on you personally?
  
  It was horrible and being injured at the time, it meant that I felt I wasn't justifying my wages. Mentally it was tough, but the financial side of things made it very difficult for a while too as I ended up being owed a lot of money and having to go part time
  
  
  When you started out at a club in the top level of English football did you ever think you would find yourself as a trialist for a homeless Clydebank and changing out the boot of the manager’s car before training on a public park?
  
  Everyone wants to play at the highest level possible but I never took my football career for granted so it was just another part of being a footballer for me.
  
  
  How does being a part-time players differ from being full-time? How did you feel about going part time with Stranraer?
  
  It was difficult to adjust as it also meant having to juggle a full-time job. But the important thing was that it allowed me to keep playing albeit at a lower level
  
  
  Do you regret putting your body through another season at Albion Rovers when playing was clearly having such an impact on your body by then?
  
  No. I had been playing with pain for a few years so it never felt any different as the season started. It was only after pre-season, I got the feeling my legs were 'going'. I just wanted to keep playing
  
  
  Injuries are a constant theme throughout your career, had your body held up to the game more what do you think you might have achieved?
  
  I think I would have been able to perform more consistently to a better standard which would have allowed me to stay in the Premier League for my whole career.
  
  
  You started your coaching journey at Gretna. Is what happened there everything that’s wrong with modern football?
  
  It's what's wrong with businessmen taking over unsustainable football clubs and not realising how much it costs to run a football club. Bonkers
  
  
  From there it was to another club with financial problems at Dundee. Did you think that it was onwards up the ladder from there?
  
  Yes, of course. Every opportunity you get in coaching you hope it will be 'the one' where you do a great job and get the big move to coaching at a higher level. That's always the plan.
  
  
  How did your experiences after Dundee (several sackings, unemployment, falling out the game etc) not put you off football for life?
  
  Because it's in my blood. I love the game and you always think the next opportunity is the one that allows you to fulfill your ambitions. It's why people like Alex Ferguson and Walter Smith coach and manage into their 60's.
  
  
  How did your family feel when you told them you were taking a job at Notts County and would be living away from home?
  
  I'd imagine they were disappointed in one sense as they wouldn't see as much of me, but pleased in another as it meant another chance to make my way in the game. Forget the supposed glamour, footballer’s families often need to make sacrifices and mine supported me throughout everything and through some very difficult times.
  
  
  After another sacking, unemployment, and finding a job outside football that you enjoyed, why did you get back in the saddle at Celtic Nation?
  
  It was two-fold. The chance to work with someone of Willie McStay’s stature in football and the age old addiction. I was back in the game, coaching again.
  
  
  What about the pressure of coaching and management?
  
  It can make things very difficult. No matter what level you are coaching or managing at, you have to succeed. When it's your livelihood, it makes things just that little bit more acute. Waking up every morning, not having slept too well, wondering when you are going to be sacked, isn't pleasant.
  
  
  When talking about your playing days you are brutally honest when discussing your limitations and the self-doubt you wrestled with throughout your career, yet you appear to have had a rawer deal in coaching. Are the extenuating circumstances at clubs something fans fail to take into consideration when assessing their management team?
  
  I think so, but that's the nature of the game. The bottom line is that you have to get results and whilst fans will rarely take anything other than the points total into consideration, I hope my book will let them see that sometimes there are difficult circumstances which can affect that.
  
  
  With better breaks do you think you might still be in football and working at a high level?
  
  Yes, I do. I think I have a deep knowledge of the game that could be used to good effect at any level, but I didn't get the breaks and ultimately didn't get there.
  
  
  Money is another thing you are frank about in the book, do you think it will surprise people how little some footballers earn?
  
  Yes, I think it will. It was another one of the myths I wanted to blow away when I wrote the book, that everyone playing the game has earned fortunes.
  
  
  What would surprise people that remember you as a player about you?
  
  That I’m completely different to the perceived image of the aggressive hard man. It was an image and a way of playing that allowed me to be a footballer and do a certain job. I could play a bit too, but I’ll be remembered for being that type and people were always surprised at how different I was when they met me.
  
  
  How has Scottish football changed since you started out in the game all those years ago?
  
  Football in general has changed as it has almost become a non-contact sport. Scottish football was built on aggression, will to win and spirit, allied to good technical ability and now a lot of it seems to have been lost in the clamour for more technical players. It's not working, we need to recognise what we're good at and marry them both together. Financially the game is in a poorer position and this has resulted in poorer standards of play and if the games aren't very good, how can we expect fans to pay ridiculous ticket prices to watch?
  
  
  If you could have your time again, would you do anything differently?
  
  No.
  
  

  COMPETITION TIME !

  We have three copies of David's book to give away in time for Xmas. To enter our competition simply email your name and address details over to "[email protected]" by 13th December. Three submissions will be selected at random by the P&B Super Computer and our minions will then whizz over a copy in time to fill your Xmas stocking.

  
  ‘Taxi For Farrell’ is published by Teckle Books and is available as an eBook and paperback, which can be bought in stores or online from www.tecklebooks.co.uk.

• Tennent's Lager Launches First Ever T5s Tournament

  Weekly 5-a-side games have been transformed across Scotland. No longer can tripping over the net or taking a ball to the face go unmissed, Tennent’s Lager has been recording it all. And it’s about to get better.
   
  On the 28th November, Tennent’s Lager will host the first ever T5s tournament at Glasgow’s ProSoccer in Rouken Glen park. The tournament is open to teams of over 18s across the country and of any ability to compete to be crowned the coveted T5s Tournament Champions as well as getting involved in some fun challenges and a few surprises on the day. The tournament will have guest commentary from an icon of Scottish football, Archie Macpherson. Archie has commented on some of Scotland’s most iconic football matches in recent history, and will be at Rouken Glen on the 28th November to crown the T5s champions.
   
  The winning team will receive £500 worth of football equipment for their team, with each player from the winning and runners up side receiving a case of Tennent’s Lager. The goal of the tournament will receive a golden boot trophy and a case of Tennent’s lager, whilst the best team name will receive a custom designed team logo printed onto a match ball. Every participant will get a complimentary post-match pie and a pint.
   
  T5s technology launched in February 2015 and has taken the five-a-side world by storm, with over 24,000 videos uploaded and over 20m online views to date. Here's some of the best;

  T5s is live on 14 pitches across 5 centres in Scotland, with more planned over the coming months. It allows players to capture and upload the last 20 seconds of action by pushing one of the giant red buttons positioned on the sidelines. No need to wait until a Saturday night to see the highlights, the footage is uploaded to the T5’s app and www.T5s.tv.
   
  T5’s most famous clip went viral after being viewed over 15m times worldwide. The clip even featured on the James Corden Late Late show in America.

  Archie Macpherson said:

  “Throughout my career I’ve commentated some of the biggest football games in Scotland, from cup finals, derby games to the European cup. It’ll be great fun to see some of Scotland’s 5-a-side players compete for the first ever T5s tournament, and judging by the previous videos I’ve seen, there’s sure to be a few laughs throughout the day.”

  Jordan McKenna at Tennent’s Lager said:

  “Since the launch of T5s in February, we’ve seen some amazing goals, and some even better blunders. The tournament will be a great coming together of those who have enjoyed the clips and fancy getting involved themselves. We’re hoping that we might even capture the next viral sensation.

  “Tennent’s has always had its place in Scottish Football, so it’s great to bring together football fans and celebrate that relationship in a new way. The tournament is likely to fill up quickly so we urge teams to enter as soon as possible.”

  Teams can sign up to compete via: www.t5s.tv/tournament

  To find out more about T5, visit www.tennents.com/T5s 

• Tennent’s Lager Opens Brewery Doors for the Ultimate Party

  You got an Empty?
  
  Tennent’s Lager is doing its part to continue this proud Scottish tradition by offering one lucky punter and 19 friends the chance to win the prize of a lifetime: the ultimate “empty” at Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow.
  
  Tennent’s recruited Scottish wrestling legend Grado to help spread the good news today (11th September) in his own unique style, as he posed with a giant golden ticket outside the brewery.
  
  100 smaller golden tickets have been placed into packs of Tennent’s Lager which are on shelves across Scotland right now. Those who discover a ticket will instantly win a £50 goodie bag and personalised glassware, and once they register their unique code on the Tennent’s website they’ll be entered into a draw to win the big prize:
  
  -    Red carpet arrival at the brewery for the winner and 19 friends
  -    Their name immortalised on the brewery timeline
  -    A special celebrity welcome on the big TV in reception
  -    A VIP tour of the brewery with the master brewer
  -    A three course meal of their choice
  -    Personalised glasswear
  -    A bespoke party at the brewery with their choice of theme
  -    A limo into town
  -    Overnight accommodation
  -    Goody bags
  -    A year’s supply of Scotland’s Favourite Tennent’s lager
  
  Entries can also be accepted via Facebook and Twitter, check: http://www.tennents.com/empty/ for full details.
  
  A Tennent’s Lager spokesperson said: “We’ve all been to the odd empty in our time and given our reputation for throwing a good party, we thought we’d host one of our own. We’ve never opened up the brewery in this way before so it’s a cracking prize that’s on offer.
  
  “Whoever wins this will certainly be in the good books with their mates for a long time to come and we can’t wait to see what the winner comes up with as a theme. Empties have a reputation for getting a little out of hand, so we might need to check if Grado’s available to be the bouncer.”
  
  Grado said: “It’s yersel! What a prize up for grabs here troops full run of the Tennent’s brewery for you and your pals with all bells and whistles you could ask for. I’ll be straight down the off license tomorrow to pick up a slab and see if I can find one for myself. I’ve never wrestled in a brewery before and a wrestling themed party would be some buzz. Good luck everybody.”

   
• WIN a Signed Scotland Home Shirt

  Our friends at Sport Careers are giving away a Scotland Home jersey which was signed by the full squad just before they headed out to Georgia this morning.

  Goalkeeper David Marshall is pictured above holding the shirt.

  All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning the jersey is to follow @SportCareersUK on Twitter and Retweet their giveaway tweet.

  Sport Careers offer a range of marketing products for professionals in the Sports Industry and also have a Global Job Board advertising all the latest sporting vacancies.

  Competition closes by 5pm Tuesday and one lucky follower will selected at random shortly afterwards to receive the coveted navy blue jersey.