Paul’s Soccer Stories
My Worldview After Doing the 92
The Americans in the elevator were not having it with the lads in the bar. “What’s going on in there,” she said. “Some soccer game,” he said. “Well,” she said, “they have a bucket full of beers, and they’re making a lot of noise. Let’s eat in the restaurant instead.” When the doors opened, I…
A Game at FC United of Manchester
FC United of Manchester is an impressive and inspiring tale of principled supporter ownership. It is also, to these foreign eyes, a somewhat odd, sentimental fantasy world. Just start with the name, which already tells you that their supporters wanted to support an FC called United that wears red and black and plays in Manchester…
Doing the 92: The Homestretch
Greetings from Lincoln, where I am spending four nights in a pretty crappy Holiday Inn. Why? Well, because I am doing the 92, of course. Fellow groundhoppers will largely understand it, as we all find ourselves going to odd places at odd times to do this odd thing we've decided to do. And while Lincoln…
Paul’s Groundhopping Plans for 2023-24
Well, unless something major changes, my 2023-24 groundhopping run is complete. But I did finish the 92 this season as planned! Last season's tally was 65 games, adding 10 to my UK grounds list and leaving me at 85 of the current season's 92 league clubs. Thirty-one of those 65 games were in Europe, adding…
On the Bandwagon at Wrexham
In which the author goes to get a sense of what's happening in Wrexham with his own eyes -- and tick off ground #87 of the 92. I have been accused, with some reason, of a certain cynicism regarding what’s happening at Wrexham. In response, I have tried to make it clear that I see…
Seeing a Game at Accrington Stanley
There are so many layers to English football, especially clubs like Accrington Stanley, that one simply wouldn't know about or experience until one shows up, walks around, and talks to people. Just the simple question you may now be asking yourself -- "Accrington Stanley, who are they?" -- is engrained into the English football conscience.…
Groundhopping at Real Zaragoza
Some time, when your touring or groundhopping in Spain has you traveling between Madrid and Barcelona -- or looking for a nice day out from either -- stop off in Zaragoza, a city worth a day of your time with a football ground that is a trip back in time. I knew almost nothing…
Paul’s 2022-23 Groundhopping Run
"Groundhopper Paul" has wrapped up his 2022-23 groundhopping season, after 65 games. Updated May 5 -- all done for the season! Here's my 2023-24 groundhopping plan. Well, this season of groundhopping is done. I was checking out many of the European and Premier League tickets and hospitality options we sell. And touring the continent. And…
In Valencia, Yes They Can?
In Valencia, two clubs trying to accomplish different things share one thing in common: the belief that ¡Si se puede! At the big and famous club, they are fighting for survival. At the smaller one, known and supported by far fewer, they are aiming for greater heights. And while neither of the Valencia clubs are…
What “Welcome to Wrexham” Tells Us — Or Should, Anyway — About Football
Since I own a football-related company, and since I have been to more than 200 games all over the UK and Europe, many Americans have asked me what I think about the show “Welcome to Wrexham.” Or they have simply expressed their admiration for it, and the club. So I thought I would offer my…
