The editorial page of BRN UK serves as a way for the team who run the site to vent their frustrations, raise certain points of views, talk about their favourite matches, players, anything that is worth reading (ED: So it's a blog then), or a blog in other words, thanks ED. Not only will we have our views and opinions on events, but guests and other members will be welcome to send in an article and if it passes our quality control tests we'll post it up. Just send your stuff to info@milanclub.co.uk and we'll do the rest. Also, from time to time we'll post up any interviews we can manage to get hold of. We can't guarantee when these will occur as the stars of football (both past and present) are often busy. But then that's half the surprise, not knowing when we might suddenly get an interview with an AC Milan great.
So it just remains for me to say thank you for reading and i hope you'll find all our editorials, guest articles and interviews entertaining, thought provoking and enjoyable.
Posted by: Jimmy @ 23:18pm 01/01/08 | Jimmy's current mood: Happy
Wow, not only do you get the site launching but straight away you get a brief interview with former AC Milan star Mark Hateley ! Our roving reporter Graeme C managed to track him down and ask Attila a few quick questions. Our deepest thanks go out to Mark Hateley for taking the time to answer these questions. Forza Attila !
GC: You joined Milan in 1984 from Portsmouth who at the time were not playing in the top division at the time. How did you find the gulf in standard going from English Division 2 to Serie A one of the toughest leagues in the world?
MH: The biggest difference was the pace of the game.Technically I learned so much which helped my career.Nils Liedholm was a big influence on me.
GC: You scored a great goal in 1984 out-jumping Collovatti and beating Zenga to help defeat Inter. How important a goal was it at the time and can you describe the emotions of scoring in a Milan Derby?
MH: Having not beaten Inter for 4/5 years to score the winning goal endeared me to the fans.A really high point with the fans which will live with me forever.
GC: Who were the biggest characters in the dressing room at the time?
MH: Without a doubt Franco baresi was SO influencial in the dressing room.
GC: A Youngster by the name of Paolo Maldini made his debut in 1985.Was it obvious he was something special at the time?
MH: Very much so. his movement was exceptional..He had a very large character and imposed himself in games way beyond his years.
GC: Were training routines radically different to anything you had previously experienced? How did Milanello compare to the likes of modern facilities like Murray Park?
MH: At the time it was state of the art, but over the years premiership clubs have adapted this way, they now cover all areas technically, dietary which wasn’t done in the uk at the time.
GC: Not all players have a great relationship with the fans and the Curva in particular. How was your relationship with the Curva Sud?
MH: I had a very good relationship. They appreciated my style of play and in fact they started the ATTILA nickname
GC: Do you ever go back and are you recognised?
MH: Yes I go back occasionally and still get recognised,asked for photos,autographs etc. Long may it continue!I visited Milan for the (closed doors) Champions League Inter v Rangers game and much was made then of my Milan connections!
Posted by: Jimmy @ 23:34pm 01/01/08 | Interview conducted by: Graeme S