Featured Image: Paul Rudderow
Part one left off at the start the Second World War. Part two picks up with the first
friendly in Philadelphia after the war, beginning with Liverpool's tour of the States in
1946.
Friendlies in Philadelphia following the Second World War: 1946-1960
The 1946-1947 Liverpool FC starting XI
The first international club team to travel the US after the Second World War was Liverpool FC,
who toured the US from May 11 until June 12 of 1946.
As has been previously described on the PSP, the friendly has historically been an important
opportunity for the transmission of new football tactics. It's also a great way for clubs and
federations to make some money and for hitherto unknown players to be seen by top clubs. From the
fan's perspective, the friendly is often a rare opportunity to see top flight international soccer
and also serves as an important community builder, whether those communities are ethnic groups that
identify with particular international clubs or the soccer community as a whole.
With every passing day of the close season it's becoming increasingly apparent that Spurs won't
be completing any major deals until we clear some of the unwanted players from our books.
The reality is that Spurs simply pay average players too much in wages and so when it comes to
transferring our misfits from the club, it's no surprise we can't get rid of them.
There comes a time in a footballers life when he must put his feet up and take a rest. Usually,
this happens when they turn 35 , but for some, there resting is done between the 1st and 70th
minute of a game and if they are lucky, the whole 90 minutes plus stoppages...I'm talking, of
course, about bench-warmers.