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First a message from our editor, James Andrew:
The days of Jack Walker, Sir John Hall and Sir Jack Hayward making millions and investing them in their local football club are a distant memory. Nowadays, sovereign states and investment consortia control the top clubs.
Lower down the pyramid, it’s also changing, giving opportunities to people with no background in football, but who bring skills and expertise from their own worlds. Actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have probably been the most famous example in recent times, and have taken Wrexham from the National League to the Championship.
This March, internet personality, musician, boxer and entrepreneur KSI became a shareholder of National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge. He may have a social media reach of over 80 million, but what does KSI know about football and running a club?
FourFourTwo couldn’t turn down the chance to chat with him and find out, as we heard his ambitious plans for the east London side. KSI may not be the traditional FFT cover star, but he’s the new face of football – that’s why we’ve decided to put him on the front of this magazine.
He was a great sport when we met up with him, and he even agreed to dress up in half suit, half football kit as we recreated a famous photo of Bryan Robson at Middlesbrough in 1994. Enjoy the mag.
James
KSI: From his bedroom to the boardroom
Some fans didn’t know who KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) when he joined Dagenham in March, but the world famous YouTuber has big ambitions. In an era of celebrity investors, he tells FFT why he wants to take the club to the Premier League and how he intends to do it.
Football’s famous owners
Ron Burgundy, rappers, Messi vs Ronaldo… you don’t have to be famous to own a club, but it helps.
Harry Redknapp has his say on Snoop Dogg
The former Tottenham Hotspur boss first moved into the world of professional football six decades ago, and says club owners have changed drastically since.
The man behind England’s 1966 glory
Sir Alf Ramsey led England to the World Cup 60 years ago, but remains misunderstood. In spite of his middle-class image, the Three Lions boss overcame racism, poverty and war to become a legend.
Return of the Cosmos
Even Pele and Raul couldn’t keep the New York Cosmos from folding twice – FFT headed to the Big Apple to find out if the iconic club’s latest comeback will be different.
Fear and loathing in Vancouver
While one historic North American club is on the way back, Vancouver Whitecaps have been battling relocation to Las Vegas, despite playing a first ever MLS Cup final last year. FFT visited Canada to investigate their troubles…
Antonin Panenka tells his story
Half a century ago, Antonin Panenka dinked in a penalty to win Euro 76 for Czechoslovakia – in his words, he tells FFT how it changed his life, and of his pride that players still imitate him.
The Boy’s a Bit Special
We get the lowdown on a Lampardian talent and Greece’s answer to Ryan Cherki in this month’s scouting report.
Henry Winter meets Leah Williamson
The respected writer speaks to England’s two-time Euros-winning captain on life at Arsenal, and why a female boss could succeed in the men’s game.
From the Vault: the murder of Andres Escobar
A week after his USA 94 own goal, Andres Escobar was murdered. A decade later, FourFourTwo headed to the crime scene to meet those impacted by his death.
Michail Antonio answers YOUR questions
The former West Ham forward on cardboard cutout celebrations, his car crash and an acrimonious exit from the Hammers.
Around the grounds in the EFL, non-league and Scotland
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver talks about being the longest-serving manager in England’s top five tiers, and we find out about Kingstonian’s nomadic plight.
Exeter City’s best and worst include giving the world Ollie Watkins and a visit from Michael Jackson. Ambitious Brighton also reveal plans to build Europe’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s team.
A ferry good game: We head to the Scottish island of Arran to discover the ups and downs of one of the UK’s most remote leagues.
The Mixer
Our latest merch round-up features Florian Wirtz channelling his inner Scouser, copious amounts of Puma’s next-generation foam and a cube of grass.
We spy a 1990s Southampton shirt in Classic Kit and plan out your Dortmund getaway with our Team Selection.
Upfront
Think you’re a football expert? Prove it by getting 100 per cent in our Ultimate Quiz. As the Premier League bids farewell to Pep Guardiola, TNT Sports’ Jules Breach pays tribute to the legendary Manchester City manager.
Danny Murphy selects the games that changed his life, and the FFT crew go to war over giving the National League an extra promotion spot in the latest Debate. We also sit down with musician Richard Hawley to discuss his passion for Sheffield Wednesday and Atdhe Nuhiu.
Former Manchester United man Lee Sharpe hails sporting geniuses and a fascinating scientist, while we explore some of the most bizarre half-time entertainment on offer, just in case FIFA need any suggestions for the World Cup final.
In the Players Lounge this month…
Tony Cascarino reveals Jack Charlton’s hatred of Coke, Lucas Radebe reflects on his time at Leeds and Alan Smith still struggles to wrap his head around replacing Gary Lineker at Euro 92.
Perfect XI
Ex-Aston Villa hotshot Juan Pablo Angel fills his team with Premier League and South American icons, Golden Balls included.
