HOW FOOTBALL IS STILL COMING HOME
OBSERVATIONS OF A SPORTS FILMMAKER
The England football team have been inspirational in this World Cup. Gareth Southgate has proven to be exceptional, uniting the team and the country behind them. People from all corners of the UK have been cheering the team on. More love than hate, which is always great to see.
We have lost, to a better team on the night, but as all great teams know, this loss will be a great lesson. Taking that lesson on board begins with how the team responds on Saturday in their match for third place against Belgium. Some are calling it a “dead rubber", I disagree. There is pride to play for, and the foundations for future success are at stake. There are lessons for anyone in all aspects of life. In business, with your family or with friends.
“They’ve said there is nothing to play for. It’s a dead series… I think we’ve everything to play for… it will say everything about us.” Sir Ian McGeechan, Lions 3rd Test v South Africa 2009
I simply have to look at my experience witnessing and documenting sports people at the highest level to learn mine. In particular, I would listen to lessons from The Lions in 2009, 2013 and 2017. In the rare position of access to meetings with the management and the players, we at Stamp, have witnessed incredible moments of leadership and learnt lessons about what love for a Jersey really means across many years embedding with elite athletes. The England side is showing signs their future is equally bright.
“The biggest thing about what you earn in this jersey is a respect and a reputation, and to any person, that’s the biggest thing you can ever have.” Sir Ian McGeechan, 2009
The Lions lost the series against the World Champions South Africa, in 2009 but I think they won back the hearts of many doubters after Clive Woodward’s misguided and ultimately failed approach in 2005. Ian McGeechan is inspirational as a leader. He and his fellow coaches, Warren Gatland, Graham Rowntree, Sean Edwards and Rob Howley, to a man, entirely set the tone. Leaders like Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll from the players' side also meant that the losing the 2nd test did not mean total failure for the Lions. That 2nd test, The Lions and South Africa fiercely contested, and it remains the most physical game of Rugby I have ever witnessed with both sides giving no quarter.
After that loss though, the Lions took some time to re-group, have fun, relax and blow off some steam on what was an interesting 48 hours, to say the least, full of stories for perhaps another time. After that, the whole squad, including the players who wouldn’t be on the field, put everything into making sure the last test reflected the spirit of the 2009 team. Watch his inspirational and emotional speech here: IAN McGEECHAN's INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH IN 2009.
In doing this, the Lions laid the foundations for the Lions’ first series win in Australia 2013 (one of only 5 since 1888) and their more recent and historic draw against the double World Champions New Zealand in 2017. Look at players like Phil Vickery, Martyn Williams, Ugo Monye and Simon Shaw in this clip and see what playing the third test against South Africa in 2009 meant to them. They won that Test match 28 - 9 but also so much more.
England has a very short turnaround ahead of their next match against Belgium so will need to do the same. If England can steel themselves for one last game in this tournament, stand shoulder to shoulder and finish with the same passion they have shown in this tournament, then they will become an increasingly powerful competitor in any game they play going forward inspiring the next generation and fans as they go.
I do not know for sure, but I think there are signs that Gareth Southgate’s leadership as the manager is similar to that of Sir Ian McGeechan. You get the feeling that he does the role, not for the money, but through a love for the game, a love for country and the team. What can be more inspirational in any story? It is a universal truth that you love the protagonist in all good stories more for how much they try than for what they actually achieve (see PIXAR or read Aristotle’s Poetics to learn more). The team have shown respect in the way they interact with other teams, the media and the fans, yet do things their way, playing for each other and their loved ones, family, partners and friends who share in the sacrifices they make to compete at the highest level. I for one was glad to see the back of the South American teams who looked more concerned about winning an Oscar than actually competing with integrity. Because of their attitude so far, I fully expect England to go out on Saturday to enjoy themselves, to play for each other and show how much it means to play for your country, regardless of the tangible prize at stake because to continue playing in the manner they have, they cannot lose. The results and the trophies will come sooner or later. Perhaps, Football has come home after all?
OBSERVATIONS OF A SPORTS FILMMAKER
The England football team have been inspirational in this World Cup. Gareth Southgate has proven to be exceptional, uniting the team and the country behind them. People from all corners of the UK have been cheering the team on. More love than hate, which is always great to see.
We have lost, to a better team on the night, but as all great teams know, this loss will be a great lesson. Taking that lesson on board begins with how the team responds on Saturday in their match for third place against Belgium. Some are calling it a “dead rubber", I disagree. There is pride to play for, and the foundations for future success are at stake. There are lessons for anyone in all aspects of life. In business, with your family or with friends.
“They’ve said there is nothing to play for. It’s a dead series… I think we’ve everything to play for… it will say everything about us.” Sir Ian McGeechan, Lions 3rd Test v South Africa 2009
I simply have to look at my experience witnessing and documenting sports people at the highest level to learn mine. In particular, I would listen to lessons from The Lions in 2009, 2013 and 2017. In the rare position of access to meetings with the management and the players, we at Stamp, have witnessed incredible moments of leadership and learnt lessons about what love for a Jersey really means across many years embedding with elite athletes. The England side is showing signs their future is equally bright.
“The biggest thing about what you earn in this jersey is a respect and a reputation, and to any person, that’s the biggest thing you can ever have.” Sir Ian McGeechan, 2009
The Lions lost the series against the World Champions South Africa, in 2009 but I think they won back the hearts of many doubters after Clive Woodward’s misguided and ultimately failed approach in 2005. Ian McGeechan is inspirational as a leader. He and his fellow coaches, Warren Gatland, Graham Rowntree, Sean Edwards and Rob Howley, to a man, entirely set the tone. Leaders like Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll from the players' side also meant that the losing the 2nd test did not mean total failure for the Lions. That 2nd test, The Lions and South Africa fiercely contested, and it remains the most physical game of Rugby I have ever witnessed with both sides giving no quarter.
After that loss though, the Lions took some time to re-group, have fun, relax and blow off some steam on what was an interesting 48 hours, to say the least, full of stories for perhaps another time. After that, the whole squad, including the players who wouldn’t be on the field, put everything into making sure the last test reflected the spirit of the 2009 team. Watch his inspirational and emotional speech here: IAN McGEECHAN's INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH IN 2009.
In doing this, the Lions laid the foundations for the Lions’ first series win in Australia 2013 (one of only 5 since 1888) and their more recent and historic draw against the double World Champions New Zealand in 2017. Look at players like Phil Vickery, Martyn Williams, Ugo Monye and Simon Shaw in this clip and see what playing the third test against South Africa in 2009 meant to them. They won that Test match 28 - 9 but also so much more.
England has a very short turnaround ahead of their next match against Belgium so will need to do the same. If England can steel themselves for one last game in this tournament, stand shoulder to shoulder and finish with the same passion they have shown in this tournament, then they will become an increasingly powerful competitor in any game they play going forward inspiring the next generation and fans as they go.
I do not know for sure, but I think there are signs that Gareth Southgate’s leadership as the manager is similar to that of Sir Ian McGeechan. You get the feeling that he does the role, not for the money, but through a love for the game, a love for country and the team. What can be more inspirational in any story? It is a universal truth that you love the protagonist in all good stories more for how much they try than for what they actually achieve (see PIXAR or read Aristotle’s Poetics to learn more). The team have shown respect in the way they interact with other teams, the media and the fans, yet do things their way, playing for each other and their loved ones, family, partners and friends who share in the sacrifices they make to compete at the highest level. I for one was glad to see the back of the South American teams who looked more concerned about winning an Oscar than actually competing with integrity. Because of their attitude so far, I fully expect England to go out on Saturday to enjoy themselves, to play for each other and show how much it means to play for your country, regardless of the tangible prize at stake because to continue playing in the manner they have, they cannot lose. The results and the trophies will come sooner or later. Perhaps, Football has come home after all?
OBSERVATIONS OF A SPORTS FILMMAKER
The England football team have been inspirational in this World Cup. Gareth Southgate has proven to be exceptional, uniting the team and the country behind them. People from all corners of the UK have been cheering the team on. More love than hate, which is always great to see.
We have lost, to a better team on the night, but as all great teams know, this loss will be a great lesson. Taking that lesson on board begins with how the team responds on Saturday in their match for third place against Belgium. Some are calling it a “dead rubber", I disagree. There is pride to play for, and the foundations for future success are at stake. There are lessons for anyone in all aspects of life. In business, with your family or with friends.
“They’ve said there is nothing to play for. It’s a dead series… I think we’ve everything to play for… it will say everything about us.” Sir Ian McGeechan, Lions 3rd Test v South Africa 2009
I simply have to look at my experience witnessing and documenting sports people at the highest level to learn mine. In particular, I would listen to lessons from The Lions in 2009, 2013 and 2017. In the rare position of access to meetings with the management and the players, we at Stamp, have witnessed incredible moments of leadership and learnt lessons about what love for a Jersey really means across many years embedding with elite athletes. The England side is showing signs their future is equally bright.
“The biggest thing about what you earn in this jersey is a respect and a reputation, and to any person, that’s the biggest thing you can ever have.” Sir Ian McGeechan, 2009
The Lions lost the series against the World Champions South Africa, in 2009 but I think they won back the hearts of many doubters after Clive Woodward’s misguided and ultimately failed approach in 2005. Ian McGeechan is inspirational as a leader. He and his fellow coaches, Warren Gatland, Graham Rowntree, Sean Edwards and Rob Howley, to a man, entirely set the tone. Leaders like Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll from the players' side also meant that the losing the 2nd test did not mean total failure for the Lions. That 2nd test, The Lions and South Africa fiercely contested, and it remains the most physical game of Rugby I have ever witnessed with both sides giving no quarter.
After that loss though, the Lions took some time to re-group, have fun, relax and blow off some steam on what was an interesting 48 hours, to say the least, full of stories for perhaps another time. After that, the whole squad, including the players who wouldn’t be on the field, put everything into making sure the last test reflected the spirit of the 2009 team. Watch his inspirational and emotional speech here: IAN McGEECHAN's INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH IN 2009.
In doing this, the Lions laid the foundations for the Lions’ first series win in Australia 2013 (one of only 5 since 1888) and their more recent and historic draw against the double World Champions New Zealand in 2017. Look at players like Phil Vickery, Martyn Williams, Ugo Monye and Simon Shaw in this clip and see what playing the third test against South Africa in 2009 meant to them. They won that Test match 28 - 9 but also so much more.
England has a very short turnaround ahead of their next match against Belgium so will need to do the same. If England can steel themselves for one last game in this tournament, stand shoulder to shoulder and finish with the same passion they have shown in this tournament, then they will become an increasingly powerful competitor in any game they play going forward inspiring the next generation and fans as they go.
I do not know for sure, but I think there are signs that Gareth Southgate’s leadership as the manager is similar to that of Sir Ian McGeechan. You get the feeling that he does the role, not for the money, but through a love for the game, a love for country and the team. What can be more inspirational in any story? It is a universal truth that you love the protagonist in all good stories more for how much they try than for what they actually achieve (see PIXAR or read Aristotle’s Poetics to learn more). The team have shown respect in the way they interact with other teams, the media and the fans, yet do things their way, playing for each other and their loved ones, family, partners and friends who share in the sacrifices they make to compete at the highest level. I for one was glad to see the back of the South American teams who looked more concerned about winning an Oscar than actually competing with integrity. Because of their attitude so far, I fully expect England to go out on Saturday to enjoy themselves, to play for each other and show how much it means to play for your country, regardless of the tangible prize at stake because to continue playing in the manner they have, they cannot lose. The results and the trophies will come sooner or later. Perhaps, Football has come home after all?
