The great postwar migrant boom saw more than 2 million arrivals from Europe through the 1950s, 60s and 70s. In the 1950s alone, 100,000 Dutch migrants arrived here. Like other migrant groups, it wasn’t long before they were establishing soccer clubs across Australia. Here’s the tale of one of those Dutch teams formed in the [Read more]
Almanac Soccer – A Night at Meadow Lane: Notts County v Bristol Rovers
May 5, 2026 by 5 Comments
It’s the business end of the English football season and Dave Goodwin, in Nottingham for a long weekend, stepped out to Notts County’s Meadow Lane ground last Saturday to see the Pies take on Bristol Rovers. Here’s his match report.
Almanac Soccer – When in Bologna: Bologna v Lecce
April 14, 2026 by 4 Comments
Dave Goodwin took advantage of a rare ‘off duty’ night in Bologna to tick off a bucket list item and take in the Serie A match between Bologna and Lecce.
Almanac Observation: Why we love sport!
January 11, 2026 by 11 Comments
It’s the unpredictability of sport that is one of the reasons Ian Hauser loves it. Here’s another example from the weekend.
Roy Hay’s induction into the Football Australia Hall of Fame
December 8, 2025 by 10 Comments
Roy Hay, highly respected historian, especially when it comes to Australian soccer, has been inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame.
Almanac Music: Why Dating a Married Woman is not a Good Idea in Song and Story.
December 5, 2025 by 4 Comments
George Smith refers to a number of songs and movies highlighting the trials and tribulations of dating a married woman and why it is not a good idea.
Almanac Book Reviews: ‘The Coping Stone – The First English Soccer Tour of Australia 1925’ by Paul Nicholls
September 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment
One hundred years ago the first English Soccer tour to Australia occurred. Paul Nicholls has written an account of that tour, ‘The Coping Stone – The First English Soccer Tour of Australia 1925’, and Roy Hay presents his review of the book.
Almanac Soccer: Polonia Melbourne’s 75th Anniversary – Can you help?
August 19, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Polonia Melbourne celebrate their 75th Anniversary in September and the club seeks photographs of former players, Ricky Lipiarski, Tadeusz Rachwalski, and Jan Gawlik.
Almanac Family History: James ‘Dun’ Hay – Captain of Celtic, Ayr United, Newcastle United and Scotland, and other stories
August 6, 2025 by 4 Comments
Members of Roy Hay’s family are remembered in three biographies including his grandfather Scottish soccer legend James Dun Hay and his incredible career.
What Are You Looking At?
July 30, 2025 by 1 Comment
A photograph in the newspaper prompts Roy Hay to recall a family link to the Szenchenyi Bridge in Budapest.
Almanac Soccer – Under 14: Stirling Districts v Barossa United
July 10, 2025 by 1 Comment
The Barossa United Under 14 Girls soccer team has burst onto the seen this year. The girls are starting to be known as The Apprentice Entertainers.
Almanac Travel: The Big Match
July 8, 2025 by 2 Comments
Scott Hunt recalls a trip to Sicily to explore his wife’s mother’s background. In Palermo, they enjoyed the cultural delights of the city, especially the celebrations by supporters of the local soccer club’s victory.
Almanac Life: An eventful few weeks
June 26, 2025 by 7 Comments
Peter Fuller is another ‘Blue Bagger’ in despair with Carlton’s performances. To relieve his Carlton pain, he has received joy from overseas travel, supporting Sunderland FC, running, and politics as he explains.
Almanac Soccer: Bon Voyage Simon Hill – The voice of resurrection in Australian Soccer
June 5, 2025 by 3 Comments
Dennis Gedling pays tribute to soccer commentator who is returning home to the UK after twenty two years in Australia.
Almanac Sport: I wear my Wimbledon Sunglasses at Night
May 30, 2025 by 2 Comments
Sports lover Paul Harman reflects on past and current sporting highlights watched, usually at night, on TV.
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League – Matchweek 38: Champions League Qualification as it happened
May 26, 2025 by Leave a Comment
With the final Matchweek for the season Ollie Wade updates the round as teams seek league qualifications.
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 37 Highlights
May 21, 2025 by Leave a Comment
On the penultimate weekend of EPL action, there are still Champions League spots up for grabs. Ollie Wade reports.
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 36 Highlights
May 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
With three teams confirmed for relegation, and others fighting for European places, Ollie Wade presents his highlights from English Premier League Matchweek 36.
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 35 Highlights 24/25
May 6, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Ollie Wade highlights matches from the English Premier League Matchweek 35.
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 34 Highlights 24/25
April 29, 2025 by Leave a Comment
In match week 34 of the English Premier League, a team is crowned champion. Ollie Wade reports
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 33 Highlights 24/25
April 22, 2025 by 2 Comments
Ollie Wade continues his detailed coverage of the main games in Week 33 of the EPL 2024/25 season with reports on two cracking games.
Recent Comments