Of all the football
clubs this is an interesting history about FC Barcelona and its humble
beginning.
In November 1899 when an
advert appeared in the Barcelona Newspaper Los Deportes. It stated "Our
friend and companion Hans Camper, former Swiss (football) champion being keen
on organising some football games in the city asks anyone who feels enthusiastic
enough to present themselves at the office of this newspaper any Tuesday or
Friday between nine and 11pm."
Amongst all the
hopefuls were three British guys Walter Wild and brothers John and William
Parsons. Then came the brothers Arthur and Ernest Witty.
Wild became the
first president of the newly formed Football Club Barcelona. Arthur and Earnest
Witty were significant players and made sure they beat the FC Catalan. The
success and the name of their home town made FC Barcelona a favourite of the
Catalan nation.
Arthur Witty's
grandson Michael, 74, is still living in Barcelona. He stated that his
grandfather loved football. He and his brother Ernest were bored with the only
other sport at that time was drinking gin. They challenged each other with
running races.
So far we have only
the very beginning of what will be FC Barcelona. Now the first step in
Barcelona's history had to be taken.
They sat down and
set-up the club with their friends Hans Gamper, John and William Parsons.
Arthur Witty made
some golden rules by which Barcelona still plays.
1. Play good and
fair, never talk, let alone discuss or argue anything with a referee.
2. If you lose,
it's because the other side played better so shake them by the hand.
3. If you get hurt,
pick yourself up. Keep going.
4. Act like a
gentleman at all times.
Arthur Witty became
president of FC Barcelona in 1903. He imported from England the first
regulation-size balls and goal nets. Then there was another Englishman Stanley
Harris in the team. Arthur encouraged a lot of youngsters to the first team.
They were Comamala, Hornos, Quirante and Soler. They became the first stars.
During his
presidency the team played their first International matches.
Barcelona's badge
includes the St George's Cross because of the English originally established
the club. The Witty brothers were schooling at Merchant Taylors' school, in
Crosby, on Merseyside. Arthur was a forward and Ernest a defender. A story
exists but it is not proved to be true. Arthur scored a winning goal for
Barcelona wearing the rugby kit from his school. Therefore, the colours of blue
and crimson were adopted by FC Barcelona and became famous. The story is
plausible.
Michael, the
grandson of Arthur, was remembering that when he was schooling in England his
grandfather used to send him all the newspaper clipping showing Barcelona's
results.
Michael said:
"He would love the current team, he was very keen on home grown players
and he would be so proud of the fact that eight of the Barca team were brought
up here."
In 1917 the first
full-time manager was elected and it was Jack Greenwell, another English
influence. Greenwell played in England in a non-league team in Crook Town, Co
Durham. He resigned as manger of Barcelona in 1923 but was so well regarded
that they brought him back in 1931. He took the club to the top of the league
again.
When the civil war
started and General Franco forbids the Catalans to use their own native
language the club took on another meaning. The people smuggled in their flags
and spoke in their own language. The old stadium became a place to intentify
with their culture and speak their language which is not Spanish.
Over the years
there were an almost endless famous players coming through the iconic Camp Nou
stadium and its club FC Barcelona.
World famous player
Dutch legend John Cruyff was the only one who the longest time was being a
manager.
Seven English managers
which include the much loved Bobby Robson, Terry Venable who was nick named El
Tel signed on big names like Steve Archibald and Mark Hughes, Gary Liniker was
bought for £3million which was enormous for the '80s but he was a goal scorer
and had a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over their enemies Real Madrid.
Thank yo, Anders Hansen, and I am glad you enjoyed it
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