Turn Turn Turn

Spring is in the air: blue skies; signs of life; new school term; St. Paddy's Day around the corner; and football leagues kicking off in Ireland and Korea (Ireland because we can't compete with the EPL, Korea because we can't compete with the deep freeze). It's a time of year when people start looking happier, take the opportunity for yet another 'fresh start', and start thinking about the promise of the upcoming summer. Gigs? Holidays? Outside beers at some roof-top bar? It all sounds so good.

Although I love the weather, the fact that it's not quite as Baltic as it was a few weeks ago, the colour threatening to break through all around, my new students and their bright enthusiasm, March 17th edging ever closer... it's all good... but... what's really getting me is the thought of the football coming back. FC Seoul got their competitive season back underway last night with what could turn out to be a vital 1-0 win away against UAE side, Al Ain. You can watch the goal here. Dejan got the winner but we had Kim Yong Dae to thank for a late penalty save. It looked like a very attacking line-up with Adi, Molina, Dejan, Djeparov and Lee Seung Ryeol all starting. Apparently it was a 4-2-3-1 formation? It's too early to make predictions, but we should have a better idea of what to expect from new manager, Kwan Hwangbo, following the K-League opener at home against Suwon. I actually cannot wait...

Derry City get their return to the top flight of Irish football underway with a really tough opener at home against Sligo Rovers, who will be very near the top of the league come the end of the season, many believe. An 18-man squad, average age under 23, not a whole lot of top-flight experience and missing our talisman and top scorer, Mark Farren; it's going to be a very tough season. Luckily for us, the division is expanding to 12 teams next season, so only the bottom team will have to face the prospect of relegation. Even then, they have a 'get-out-of-jail-free' card with a play-off. New Libya international striker, Eamon Zayed, is keeping a blog here, which will be a good read for footie fans throughout the season. Personally, I think we can surprise a few people this season and that a mid-table finish is possible. Come on the Candystripes!