The George Best Hotel

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The George Best Hotel INVESTMENTS The George Best Hotel DONEGALL SQUARE SOUTH, BT1 5JG Belfast will be Belfast to deliver doubling its value hotel room of tourism to shortfall of 3,750 £870,000,000 by 2020 by 2020 2 5. 6. 10. 12. 14. George Best Hotel Why Invest? About George Best Belfast The Hotel Market 17. 18. 20. 24. 26. Investment Overview Buying Process About Signature Signature by Numbers Contact Winner THE GEORGE BEST HOTEL 4 ABOUT The George Best Hotel Nestled on the junction of Donegall Square and Bedford Street, THE GEORGE BEST HOTEL The George Best Hotel is set to be nothing short of remarkable. AVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT £400 This grandiose hotel is in a prime city centre location overlooking AVAILABLE UNITS Belfast City Hall and will pay tribute to one of the greatest footballers 83 of our time. Originally named the Scottish Temperance Building before ROI FOR YEARS 1-3 8% later changing to the Scottish Mutual Assurance Society Building, this ROI FOR YEAR 4 9% beautiful Grade B1 listed building will become the focal point of the ROI FOR YEARS 5-10 centre of Belfast. 10% Built by Henry Seaver and completed in 1904, the redevelopment There is an option for the developer to buy back the units at 106% of the purchase will incorporate and preserve much of the buildings history whilst price after year 3, plus an additional 2% per annum uplift which will be capped at a aligning it with Signature Living’s unique vision and guest experience. maximum of 112% of the purchase price. Having previously served as offices, this building will be transformed into a luxury football-themed hotel featuring premium amenities, a stunning wedding and events space, a museum dedicated to the legacy PRICES FROM of George Best, plus a stylish bar and restaurant. The classic Baronial Belfast 83 CITY CENTER UNITS AVAILABLE £80,000 style architecture will retain many of its original features across all six floors, making it the perfect heritage redevelopment for Signature Living. 5 THE GEORGE BEST HOTEL Why invest in hotel rooms ? Hotel investment is one of the fastest forms of investment in the UK today. Due to its low risk, guaranteed rental yield and easy accessibility, its popularity continues to rise. HANDS OFF INVESTMENT EASE AND ACCESSIBILITY GUARANTEED RENTAL YIELDS Hotel investment is an easy and stress-free way to The hotel industry is one of the fastest growing Signature Living investments are low risk as they invest. Simply invest in your chosen room and let us sectors in the world which means there is come with a guaranteed rental yield which makes do all the work for you. From managing the room abundant opportunity to invest. calculating your returns simple. The rental yield & wider hotel to marketing it and taking care of any you receive varies depending on the room you maintenance issues, you simply collect the income. Historically, it was very hard to invest in hotels as choose to invest in. individual rooms were not designated for sale, this When you invest, the hotel room stays a part of meant that you had to invest in a hotel investment LOW RISK the hotels stock which means it is treated as part of fund which would ultimately take away control for Hotel room investment with Signature Living the wider venue which is taken care of by Signature the investor. is relatively low risk. As an established hotelier, Living. Signature are experienced in dealing with As hotel room investment becomes increasingly private investors who reap the benefits of their GUARANTEED BUY BACK available, it’s never been easier to be in control of partnership, enjoying a hands-off investment your investment. All of our hotel room investments come with a which is low risk and high yielding. guaranteed buy-back offer after year 3. 6 UK named top european choice for hotel investment in 2017 CBRE Investment in UK hotel assets hits 3.4Bn in 2016 Knight Frank THE GEORGE BEST HOTEL A Football Legend Regarded around the world as one of the greatest and most talented During his time at Manchester United, Best became the club’s players in the history of football, George Best was known for his top goal scorer in the league for five consecutive seasons, scoring unique gift and outstanding ability with the ball. Over his career he 179 goals from 470 appearances over 11 years. In 1968, he won played as a winger for Manchester United and the Northern Ireland the European Cup with Manchester United, and was named the national team and was described as “the greatest player to ever pull European Footballer of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year. on the green shirt of Northern Ireland.” Born on 22nd May 1946 and raised in East Belfast, Best had an exceptional footballing talent and After the United years, Best played for Fulham alongside Bobby unwavering passion for the game from a young age. When he was just Moore, Hibernian and finally Bournemouth until 1984 when he 15, he was spotted by a Manchester United Scout who praised his retired aged 37. Known as one of the greatest dribblers of all time, unique style, sending a telegram to manager Matt Busby which simply his career is defined by his amazing speed, balance, vision, and said, “I think I’ve found you a genius.” He was quickly signed to United uncontainable zest for the game that has motivated many footballers by chief scout Joe Armstrong in 1961 and made his debut for the club over the years. An inspiration to many, this hotel will celebrate aged 17, after turning professional in 1963. George Best as the man everyone loved. 8 ABOUT 9 THE GEORGE BEST HOTEL The Best Experience George Best’s playing style was one of a kind, it combined pace, skill, balance, feints, two-footedness, goal scoring and the ability to beat defenders. Not just an outstanding player, but also a vibrant personality, Best became one of the first ‘famous’ footballers the world had ever seen. Earning the nickname ‘El Beatle’ due to his Fab Four inspired haircut, Best grew in popularity on and off the pitch. He received more than 1,000 fan mail letters every week and was regularly offered modelling assignments and personal appearances. A fitting tribute to the legend and legacy of George Best, this stunning hotel will create a truly unique accommodation experience. This beautiful accolade to the footballing legend will be themed around his amazing life and house an exclusive museum, dedicated to the life and times of one of the greats. This unique museum and hotel will exhibit never seen before memorabilia, souvenirs and personal mementoes that will allow football fans to explore the world of George Best. 10 THE BEST EXPERIENCE 11 THE GEORGE BEST HOTEL Belfast Belfast has undergone a resurgence in tourism over the past decade and last year the city was crowned Best UK City. With 1.4 million visits which contribute over £278 million to the economy and support 17,000 jobs, Belfast’s growth is only just beginning. Belfast is the driving force behind Northern Ireland’s economy and is a hub for not only international visitors but also domestic. The city which has an eclectic vibe, with a plethora of restaurants, bars, attractions and landmarks to explore. The local council has outlined plans to increase the cities growth 100% by 2021, which will be achiveved by improving transport links, more events and refining visitor experience. This growth has been recognised by many key companies across a broad range of sectors including accommodation, food & beverage and entertainment. There are currently 27 new hotel developments in the pipeline for Belfast, bringing 3,747 additional bedrooms to the city. This highlights the elevated interest in Belfast and the expected growth over the next couple of years, making now the perfect time to invest in the city. 12 BELFAST 6 RIVER LAGEN £450 MILLION In visitor economy 3 OXFORD ST 45,000 STUDENTS Enroled in the city VICTORIA ST 7TH POPULAR NE 4 L S O N Domestic destination S T 1 5 YORK ROYAL AVE DONEGALL PASS ST UNIV DONEGALL SQ E RSITY 8 2 ST 7 1. 2. 3. 4. Belfast City Hall Castle Court Water Front Victoria Shopping Located in Donegall Square A busy shopping centre in the city The waterfront was voted ‘Best UK Belfast’s premier shopping centre Belfast City Hall is the civic AVVAILABLthatE UNI has anT estimateS of 16 million Conference and Incentive City features stores, restaurants and a building of the city council. visits per year. Destination’ in 2013. cinema. Average price per square foot 5. 6. 7. 8. St Annes Available UnitsSSE Arena Great Victoria Street Queens University The one hundred year old church An entertainment centre is part Belfast’s Great Victoria Street Belfast’s popular university is of Ireland cathedral is a popularROI for years 1-3of the Belfast Harbour and holds Station is one of the two major over 100 years old with over landmark in Belfast. 11,000 stations in the city. 17,000 students enrolled. ROI for year 4 ROI for year 5-10 There is an opǎon for the developer to buy back the units at 13 106% of the purchase price aer year 3, plus an addiǎonal2% per annum upli which will be capped at a maximum of 112% of the purchase price. THE GEORGE BEST HOTEL The UK Hotel Market & The UK Regional Hotel Market 2017 THE UK HOTEL MARKET THE UK REGIONAL HOTEL MARKET Following last year’s decision to leave the European Union, the UK is expected to The performance of the UK hotel market is closely linked to the general economy experience a boost in overseas tourism.
Recommended publications
  • The Influence of Local Remembrance on National Narratives of Gettysburg During the 19Th Century
    Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports 2018 Contested Narratives: The Influence of Local Remembrance on National Narratives of Gettysburg During The 19th Century Jarrad A. Fuoss Follow this and additional works at: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd Recommended Citation Fuoss, Jarrad A., "Contested Narratives: The Influence of Local Remembrance on National Narratives of Gettysburg During The 19th Century" (2018). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 7177. https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/7177 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by the The Research Repository @ WVU with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you must obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in WVU Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports collection by an authorized administrator of The Research Repository @ WVU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Contested Narratives: The Influence of Local Remembrance on National Narratives of Gettysburg During The 19th Century. Jarrad A. Fuoss Thesis submitted to the Eberly College of Arts and Science at West Virginia University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in 19th Century American History Jason Phillips, Ph.D., Chair Melissa Bingman, Ph.D. Brian Luskey, Ph.D. Department of History Morgantown, West Virginia 2018 Keywords: Gettysburg; Civil War; Remembrance; Memory; Narrative Creation; National Identity; Citizenship; Race; Gender; Masculinity; Veterans.
    [Show full text]
  • MLS As a Sports Product – the Prominence of the World's Game in the U.S
    MLS as a Sports Product – the Prominence of the World’s Game in the U.S. Stephen A. Greyser Kenneth Cortsen Working Paper 21-111 MLS as a Sports Product – the Prominence of the World’s Game in the U.S. Stephen A. Greyser Harvard Business School Kenneth Cortsen University College of Northern Denmark (UCN) Working Paper 21-111 Copyright © 2021 by Stephen A. Greyser and Kenneth Cortsen. Working papers are in draft form. This working paper is distributed for purposes of comment and discussion only. It may not be reproduced without permission of the copyright holder. Copies of working papers are available from the author. Funding for this research was provided in part by Harvard Business School. MLS as a Sports Product – the Prominence of the World’s Game in the U.S. April 8, 2021 Abstract The purpose of this Working Paper is to analyze how soccer at the professional level in the U.S., with Major League Soccer as a focal point, has developed over the span of a quarter of a century. It is worthwhile to examine the growth of MLS from its first game in 1996 to where the league currently stands as a business as it moves past its 25th anniversary. The 1994 World Cup (held in the U.S.) and the subsequent implementation of MLS as a U.S. professional league exerted a major positive influence on soccer participation and fandom in the U.S. Consequently, more importance was placed on soccer in the country’s culture. The research reported here explores the league’s evolution and development through the cohesion existing between its sporting and business development, as well as its performance.
    [Show full text]
  • Inside out Manchester United
    Inside Out Manchester United WORKSHEET A Many English football teams have the word United in their name, but by far the most famous is from the northern city of Manchester and plays in red shirts and white shorts. When football fans refer to Manchester United just as ‘United’, as they often do, other fans always know who they mean. It’s possible that United have more fans than any other football team in the world. Their stadium, Old Trafford, holds around 75,000 people and is full for almost every match. It’s also true that tens of millions of people around the world watch their matches on TV, and that when they play friendlies thousands of miles away in Asia or Africa (as they have done in recent years in July or August, before the English football season starts) the crowds are always very big. The club was founded back in 1878 and has had a successful history. It has won the English championship eighteen times (the same number as Liverpool, their biggest rivals) and the European Champions’ League (previously the European Cup) three times. A well-known tragedy in United’s history was when many of their best players died in a plane crash in Munich, Germany, in 1958. It seemed the club might not recover, but ten years later, in 1968, they became the first English team to win the European Cup. United’s best players in their great team of the late 1960s included Bobby Charlton (probably the most famous English footballer of the 1960s) and George Best (who some say was the best player who never played in a World Cup – the reason was that he was from Northern Ireland, a country that never qualified for the World Cup during his career).
    [Show full text]
  • Fa Youth Cup
    FA YOUTH CUP FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING PORTISHEAD TOWN VS THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2020 Kick Off 19.00 p.m. A WELCOME TO TRURO CITY We would like to welcome all players, staff and supporters of Truro City to Bristol Road. Truro City U18 have only just been reformed, with the aim for the Truro Under 18’s to produce players for the first team. The Portishead Town Under 18's competed in the 2019-20 Western Counties Floodlight League North Division, before it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Good luck to both teams in the FA Youth cup tonight. 0800 030 4461 [email protected] FA YOUTH CUP HISTORY The Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under-18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part. It is dominated by the youth sides of professional teams, mostly from the Premier League, but attracts over 400 entrants from throughout the country. At the end of the Second World War the FA organised a Youth Championship for County Associations considering it the best way to stimulate the game among those youngsters not yet old enough to play senior football. The matches did not attract large crowds but outstanding players were selected for Youth Internationals and thousands were given the chance to play in a national contest for the first time. In 1951 it was realised that a competition for clubs would probably have a wider appeal.
    [Show full text]
  • SOCCERNOMICS NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller International Bestseller
    4color process, CMYK matte lamination + spot gloss (p.2) + emboss (p.3) SPORTS/SOCCER SOCCERNOMICS NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER “As an avid fan of the game and a fi rm believer in the power that such objective namEd onE oF thE “bEst booKs oF thE yEar” BY GUARDIAN, SLATE, analysis can bring to sports, I was captivated by this book. Soccernomics is an FINANCIAL TIMES, INDEPENDENT (UK), AND BLOOMBERG NEWS absolute must-read.” —BillY BEANE, General Manager of the Oakland A’s SOCCERNOMICS pioneers a new way of looking at soccer through meticulous, empirical analysis and incisive, witty commentary. The San Francisco Chronicle describes it as “the most intelligent book ever written about soccer.” This World Cup edition features new material, including a provocative examination of how soccer SOCCERNOMICS clubs might actually start making profi ts, why that’s undesirable, and how soccer’s never had it so good. WHY ENGLAND LOSES, WHY SPAIN, GERMANY, “read this book.” —New York Times AND BRAZIL WIN, AND WHY THE US, JAPAN, aUstralia– AND EVEN IRAQ–ARE DESTINED “gripping and essential.” —Slate “ Quite magnificent. A sort of Freakonomics TO BECOME THE kings of the world’s for soccer.” —JONATHAN WILSON, Guardian MOST POPULAR SPORT STEFAN SZYMANSKI STEFAN SIMON KUPER SIMON kupER is one of the world’s leading writers on soccer. The winner of the William Hill Prize for sports book of the year in Britain, Kuper writes a weekly column for the Financial Times. He lives in Paris, France. StEfaN SzyMaNSkI is the Stephen J. Galetti Collegiate Professor of Sport Management at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology.
    [Show full text]
  • INFORMATION to USERS This Maauscript Has Been Reproduced
    INFORMATION TO USERS This maauscript has been reproduced from the microSlm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in ^ew riter face, while others may be from aity type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction Is dependent upon the quali^ of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely afreet reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Fhotogr^hs included in the orignal manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bell & Howell information Com pany 300 North Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor. Ml 48106-1346 USA 3l3.'761-4700 800/521-0600 Order Number 9516979 The modernization of professional football in England and the United States: A comparative analysis Dawson, Steven Charles, Ph.D. The Ohio State University, 1994 UMI 300 N.
    [Show full text]
  • Figo. Es Ahora El Mejor Del Mundo”;1] El Número Uno
    Martes 25 de enero de 2000 Mundo Deportivo 6 BAHINILOS PREMIOS DE LA FIFA O Michel Platini volvió a piropear al jugador portugués del Barça: “Verle en acción es un auténtico espectáculo” Nadie ve ya a Ronaldo como “Figo. es ahora el mejor del mundo”;1] el número uno Francesc Aguilar su mejor nivel BRUSELAS últimamente pero futbolistas que juegan más para el De entre todos los votos Figo lleva ya mucho tiempo en ple • equipo, pero sería tonto si no dije efectuados por los M ichel Platini sigue cauti na forma. Es un auténtico espectá ra que Rivaldo es un grandísimo seleccionadores, no hubo vado por el fútbol de culo verle en acción”. El ex juga jugador. Lo que pasa es que yo le ninguno que escogiera a Luis Figo. El ahora ase dor francés considera incompren considero más un goleador que un Ronaldo Ronaldo como primera sor del presidente de la FIFA, Jose sible que en el ‘Calcio’ se desembol centrocampista”. opción. El ex azulgrana, castigado por ph Blatter, considera al portugués sen grandes fortunas én busca de las lesiones en 1999, sólo obtuvo seis el jugador más deseqúllibrante futbolistas determinantes y nadie Sexto clasificado votaciones, cuatro que le aupaban del mundo en estos momentos: “Él haNe de Figo: “No entiendo que Figo, precisamente, es el segundo como segundo mejor futbolista del es ahora el número uno. Es un en Italia se pague un dineral por futbolista azuigrana que aparece pasado año y dos que le distinguen gran futbolista, juega para el equi gente que no es ni la mitad de bue entre los diez mejores del mundo, como el mejor tercero.
    [Show full text]
  • Factsheet FIFA Awards
    FACT Sheet FIFA awards The FIFA World Player Gala has been in existence since 1991. In 2010, it was merged with France Football’s Ballon d’Or award to form the new “FIFA Ballon d’Or”. The newly named FIFA Ballon d’Or is a combination of the FIFA World Player of the Year award and France Football’s Ballon d’Or. The 2010 winner was chosen by national team coaches and captains as well as media representatives from all over the world. The FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award was also decided by the votes of national team coaches and captains as well as media representatives from all over the world. For the first time, Coach of the Year awards were presented at the ceremony to honour the top coaching talent in both the men’s and women’s games. The voting panel had a similar make-up to those involved in selecting the winners of the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. Awards presented: FIFA Ballon d’Or FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football FIFA Presidential Award FIFA Fair Play Award FIFA Puskás Award FIFA/FIFPro World XI FIFA Ballon d’Or / FIFA World Player of the Year Awards 2010 10.01.2011, Kongresshaus, Zurich men: 1. Lionel Messi (ARG) 2. Andrés Iniesta (ESP) 3. Xavi (ESP) women: 1. Marta (BRA) 2. Birgit Prinz (GER) 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Eyewitness. Soccer
    EYEWITNESS BOOKS Eyewitness SOCCER 1930s French hair- 1905 match oil advertisement holder 1900s soccer ball pumps Jay Jay Okocha of 1910s 1930s Nigeria 1900s shin pads shin pads shin pads Early 20th- century soccer ball stencils 1966 World Cup soccer ball 1930s painting of a goalkeeper 1998 World Cup soccer ball Early 20th- Early 20th- century century porcelain porcelain figure Eyewitness figure SOCCER Written by HUGH HORNBY Photographed by ANDY CRAWFORD 1912 soccer ball in association with THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM, UK LONDON, NEW YORK, 1900s plaster MELBOURNE, MUNICH, AND DELHI figure Project editor Louise Pritchard Art editor Jill Plank Assistant editor Annabel Blackledge Assistant art editor Yolanda Belton Managing art editor Sue Grabham 19th- Senior managing art editor Julia Harris century Production Kate Oliver jersey Picture research Amanda Russell DTP Designer Andrew O’Brien and Georgia Bryer THIS EDITION Consultants Mark Bushell, David Goldblatt Editors Kitty Blount, Sarah Philips, Sue Nicholson, Victoria Heywood-Dunne, Marianne Petrou Art editors Andrew Nash, David Ball Managing editors Andrew Macintyre, Camilla Hallinan Managing art editors Jane Thomas, Martin Wilson Publishing manager Sunita Gahir 1925 Australian Production editors Siu Yin Ho, Andy Hilliard International shirt Production controllers Jenny Jacoby, Pip Tinsley DK picture library Rose Horridge, Myriam Megharbi, Emma Shepherd Picture research Carolyn Clerkin, Will Jones U.S. editorial Beth Hester, John Searcy U.S. publishing director Beth Sutinis 1905 book U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Issue 13, May 2014
    broadsheet new new zealand poetry Issue No. 13, May 2014 The Football Issue: World Cup 2014, Brazil Editor: Mark Pirie Foreword: Michael Groom, NZ All White 1980-84 THE NIGHT PRESS WELLINGTON / 1 Contents copyright 2014, in the names of the individual contributors Published by The Night Press Cover image: George Best by Michael OLeary broadsheet is published twice a year in May and November Subscriptions to: The Editor Flat 4C/19 Cottleville Terrace Thorndon Wellington 6011 Aotearoa / New Zealand http://broadsheetnz.wordpress.com Cost per year $12.00 for 2 issues. Cheques payable to: HeadworX ISSN 1178-7805 (Print) ISSN 1178-7813 (Online) Please Note: At this stage no submissions will be read. The poems included are solicited by the editor. All submissions will be returned. Thank you. 2 / Contents PREFACE / 6 FOREWORD / 7 ANON / 10 SIMON BOYCE / 11 JAMES BROWN / 12 P. S. COTTIER / 15 ALBERT CRAIG / 16 JOHN DICKSON / 17 BEN EGERTON / 23 JOHN GALLAS / 24 C.W. GRACE / 29 DYLAN GROOM / 36 VAUGHAN GUNSON / 37 TIM JONES / 38 GARY LANGFORD / 39 DAVID MCGILL / 44 / 3 HARVEY MOLLOY / 45 MICHAEL OLEARY / 46 BILL OREILLY / 47 MARK PIRIE / 48 HARRY RICKETTS / 56 KENDRICK SMITHYMAN / 57 GRANT SULLIVAN / 58 ANDRÉ SURRIDGE / 59 VANGUARD / 60 WEMBLEY / 61 ESSAY FEATURE / 62 NOTES ON CONTRIBUTORS / 68 4 / Acknowledgements Grateful acknowledgement is made to the editors and publishers of the following collections, newspapers and magazines where the following poems in this issue first appeared: Anon: Football from The Star (Christchurch) newspaper, 27 January 1923. James Brown: The Trialist from Warm Auditorium (Victoria University Prss, Wellington, 2012).
    [Show full text]
  • SHA's Speech at Opening of Football Exhibition at HK Museum of History ***********************************************************
    SHA's speech at opening of football exhibition at HK Museum of History *********************************************************** The following is a speech by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, at the opening ceremony of the "Football" exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of History today (June 20): President Fok, Mr Burbach, Mr Bushell and Guests, Football has always been one of the most popular sports in the world. I am sure many of you are spending many sleepless nights recently to follow the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The World Cup brings together the world's top players, who thrill football fans in every corner of the globe with their formidable skills. We are delighted to join England's National Football Museum in mounting this exhibition devoted to "the beautiful game" at the Hong Kong Museum of History. On display are more than 100 exhibits carefully selected from the National Football Museum in Preston. They include a ball used in the first World Cup in 1930, the last pair of boots worn by renowned Manchester United footballer George Best and football shirts signed by superstars like Pele, Ronaldinho, David Beckham and Michael Owen. We are also grateful to the Hong Kong Football Association for lending more than 40 precious items related to the history of Hong Kong football. A feast for the eyes of Hong Kong football fans, the items include the 1923 Hong Kong-Shanghai Interport Cup, the commemorative shield for the 1957 Merdeka Tournament and the Viceroy Cup. Together these items serve as testimony to the glory of Hong Kong football.
    [Show full text]
  • Page 1 of 2 Gale Power Search
    Gale Power Search - Document Page 1 of 2 Title: The trouble with boys Author(s): William Skidelsky Source: New Statesman (1996) . 132.4660 (Oct. 20, 2003): p14. From Military and Intelligence Database Collection . Document Type: Article Copyright : COPYRIGHT 2003 New Statesman, Ltd. http://www.newstatesman.com/ Full Text: "I am not a role model ," the basketball player Charles Barkley announced in a 1993 Nike advert. I am not paid to be a role model . I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court." Those who manage and comment on football would have done well to heed Barkley's words this past fortnight. In Britain, we still expect our sports stars to Behave like role models -and feel outraged when they harass women in nightclubs, get convicted of drink-driving, arouse suspicions of drug-taking and thump each other during the half- time break. Journalists expect today's multimillionaire football stars to conform to the standards of a golden age when footballers were supposedly men of impeccable character who never drank more than half a pint after a match. No matter that for every Gary Lineker or Bobby Charlton, there has always been a Paul Gascoigne or George Best. Continually harping on about the "good old days" remains one of football fans' most distinctive characteristics. Still, the ideal of the sporting role model is now so outdated that its very persistence is intriguing. Where does it come from? And why has it survived so long? The belief that sportsmen have a special duty to behave well goes back to the 19th century.
    [Show full text]