Over the last few weeks we’ve seen lots of movement if you will in the soccer journalism world. One guy goes from a blog to a major service, another switches from one big site to another. Normally I like to write about something once or twice and leave it at that but after further thinking and reading the latest Adam Spangler article over at This Is American Soccer I had to dive back into the pool.

Spangler, like myself, loves the topic of sports journalism or in this case soccer journalism. I like it probably for some of the same reasons he does, my background is in journalism (though more on the broadcast side) and for some reason just the talk of media in general always interests me.

We’re at an interesting point though right now in journalism. If you’re reading this then you a contributing factor in some way to the demise of the print (newspaper and magazine) industry. Blogs are killing off those news services quicker than the old bosses at those papers would like to believe. I’ve worked in and around newspapers a decent bit to know that some folks in that industry still are too stubborn to really understand why their business is dying – but that is a subject for another day. Continue Reading…

I try sometimes to stay away from personal matters but today just isn’t one of those days. See today is a special day for me and this site because it is the three year anniversary!

I’ll cut to the chase and not bother you with loads of memories and wishes though. I would though like to thank you all who come here everyday, every week, once a month, once a year or how ever often you visit my little space on the internet. I know I have ruffled a few feathers and probably upset a few of you over time. I’d like to think that I am growing as a writer and a person here.

I’d also like to give a thanks to Geoff Reid and Brian Stevens, two people who have helped me out in different ways over the last year. Geoff with his interesting views on things and Brian with his amazing photography of the Kansas City Wizards.

I hope that moving forward this site continues to grow. Don’t worry I’m not going to bother you with my site stats, I believe in showing off how much or little you do is a little annoying. If you want to see them or know them just ask me or find a site that can look them up for you.

As for what the new year here at WVH will bring, I am hoping to grow the site with more writers (and photographers) if anyone is interested. Don’t worry I won’t force deadlines or anything like that. I would just like to add some people who enjoy writing about the beautiful game for the fun of it like I do. Hopefully this new year brings a lot of good from it.

Again, thanks for coming.

Cheers,

- Drew

Just a little programming note.

I added a list of some podcasts to the site (see under MLS Items above). This has been a list I’ve been meaning to put on here for some time since I don’t do a podcast. As I explain on that page I just don’t have the time, energy or desire to do one right now. Maybe that will change in the future but for now I just feel that I don’t want to half-ass a podcast.

Anyways, check out the list of podcasts. Its full of ones you probably already know but if you don’t check them all out because they are worth a listen.

Boy it’s been a long, long day here at WVH. The 2010 MLS SuperDraft is over and now it is time to take a short break. I was going to do some draft recaps tonight but expect them for the morning (though I may knock them out tonight, depends on a few things).

In other words, I’m tired! Thanks to those who decided to stop by for the live blog of the draft today. Duane Rollins of 24th Minute was super enough to get the ball rolling on the event today and kept it going until the final pick was made. Thanks again to Duane!

Anyways, I’ll have plenty of updates in the coming up including draft grades, photos, and some site updates.

- Drew

I was contacted recently to try out a new cleat. For the first time in a couple years I would be trying out something new, something that wasn’t well known. The boot was different, the lacing was unique and the fit was natural.

The boot was a new shoe from a company called Concave. Their cleats or boots are now worldwide including in the English Premier League.

First of all I must say I am picky when it comes to anything shoe related. Most that know me know that I am a laid back person who typically wears flip-flops on a daily basis, even in winter. So picking a soccer cleat is always a tough thing for me because it has to fit just right and not totally make my feet feel closed in.

Upon trying the Concave Soccer Boot I was shocked at the fit, it was like no cleat I had ever tried before. The unique lacing was so different but yet so right I couldn’t take them off. My feet felt free and kicking the ball seemed as natural as ever. Giving the boot a try in a pickup game also was good.

In all I can say these new boots are something else. Normally I am a Kelme or adidas guy when it comes to cleats but I may start being a Concave guy. If you get the chance to use these boots I highly recommend it.

I hope to soon post some photos of these boots in action. Maybe this spring once the weather turns around I will.

Now that the second edition of the WVH Mock Draft is out I am too done for the week. I’m taking the rest of today and tomorrow off (along with the weekend) for the Christmas holiday. Should anything major drop between now and Monday I’ll check back in but more than likely I’ll see you all on Monday!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas!

Cheers,

- Drew

Just noticed while going through a few things that some spambots were gobbling up things around here this evening. I’d like to apologize if this site is slowed down in any shape or form tonight. I was given an email by my host that let me know they are addressing the issue. Apparently a recent change in my site’s DNS (meaning the site’s hosting address not the www.wvhooligan.com address) may have caused it. Hopefully that will be resolved in the next couple hours.

Things should be working properly soon.

- Drew