Soccer Xis To Train Today

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30762, 28 May 1965, Page 13

Soccer Xis To Train Today

Forty-six players and officials comprising die two British soccer clubs, Blackpool and Sheffield United, flew into Christchurch yesterday to play the sixth game of their 11-match series at English Park tomorrow.

The score is 2-2, with one drawn, and both club managers said last night their teams would be going all out on Saturday to take the lead.

“With the initial matches behind us a real competitive spirit has been awoken in the players,” said Mr Ronnie Suart, manager of Blackpool, whose team has won the last

two matches to level the series.

“Each game is now becoming a matter of intense rivalry between the two teams, and the will to win has grown considerably from match to match.”

The Sheffield manager, Mr John Harris, said his players were no less determined than Blackpool’s. “No team wants to lose, and this particularly applies to professionals. With the second half of the tour approaching Saturday will be a good time to take the lead in the series.”

But both managers also emphasised the players wanted to show all that is best in soccer and the game would not be played with the emphasis on no losing. “We realise that we are here to give soccer a public boost,” said Mr Harris. “And this is what we shall be trying to accomplish on Saturday.” Both managers have invited the public to watch the players train today. The practice sessions of both clubs will start at 10 a.m., Blackpool at Christchurch Boys’ High School, in Straven road, and Sheffield at Athletic Park, Ferry road. There was again a steady demand for tickets yesterday, and now only 1000 open stand seats and 3000 for the banking remained to be sold. They will be on sale at the Canterbury Sports Depot today and at English Park from 9 a.m. on Saturday.