Wally with a Brolly

Whilst all newspapers in the UK have a dedicated sports section with a heavy focus on football, there is no such thing in France. For there is the Bible of sport in the country of Voltaire. L'Equipe has become an institution over the years, and it has often played a huge role in European football. L'Equipe's editor in the 1950's, Gabriel Hanot, was instrumental in creating the Champions League as we know it, convincing UEFA of the need for a continental competition. You can clearly understand why L'Equipe is held in high regard.

From creating the Champions League to uncovering the goings-on of the despicable World Cup 2010 French squad: L'Equipe is an institution.

As a multi-lingual group of people form the team at Wally, we have always been following L'Equipe. And something definitely caught our eye a few months back. L'Equipe had created a partnership with a budding journalist who seemed to write with great love and knowledge about the lower leagues and Scotland, from a French fan's point of view. 

Whilst the quality of some of its writers has been in doubt lately, the L'Equipe stamp of approval is still a great compliment to its journalists.  Wally therefore decided to investigate and, through the magic of Facebook and Twitter, was able to contact the creator of the blog in question. Romain was not only instantly likeable and willing to help, but his point of view was very refreshing. Considering he writes not only for L'Equipe but also for CNN and other newspapers, it was impressive to find Romain so approachable and enthusiastic. We at Wally are very grateful and hope you enjoy reading about a different point of view.

(His blog is also a gem. If you speak French, you can discover it at Kickoff: Le vrai foot sauce british. We can't recommend it enough)

Hi Romain, tell us why you've been drawn to the lower leagues even though they're unknown in France.

Originally I fell in love with Scottish football. I know, it's quite strange for a Frenchman. But I used to go to Benidorm nearly every summer. There was a Rangers supporters’ bar there and I was really impressed by all these people dressed in Light Blues! Their passion simply amazed me. Since then, I've followed Scottish Football closely and, inevitably with it, English football. I discovered the Football League, the non-League (Football Manager was a big help!) and I loved it! I’m a not a guy who love the giants. I prefer the underdogs.

Somehow, where it all started for Romain.

Maybe you will be surprised by this, but the Championship is broadcasted in France. Of course, it’s still relatively anonymous, but it’s popular among the real football fans.

Best and worst places you've been to? And why?

Unfortunately, 've only seen 5 games in England and Scotland. It cost quite a lot of money to travel before I worked as a freelance journalist (I’m not rich but I can report from the UK now). Obviously, the best place was Selhurst Park. I went for Crystal Palace – Hull City (4-2). Kevin Phillips scored a hat-trick but the whole game and the atmosphere were just amazing. 

Selhurst Park: "Amazing"

What feelings do you get from the French players playing in the UK? Are they happier than if they'd stayed in France?

Every time I've interviewed French players, they've told me the same thing :”It’s another world!” Most of them love English football. Of course, the wages play a major role but they like the environment (fans, stadium, and ambiance). You have some players, like Gaël Givet or Alou Diarra, who dislike their experience because they didn’t play. They told some stupid things in French newspaper L’Equipe. They were simply looking for excuses for their own failure to succeed. It was embarrassing really, unlike the majority of French players I've talked to.

Alou Diarra: 6 months after joining, he left West Ham blaming everything from the weather and food to Sam Allardyce. Never blamed himself. Don't listen to him, says Romain. He's not an accurate representation of French footballers in England and Scotland.

What are French players' views on football in the lower leagues? Is it much tougher than in France?

They LOVE it! It’s much tougher, of course. In France, the National (D3) is not fully professional. A team like Paris FC attracts 300 persons per game. You imagine the difference with Brentford or Leyton Orient, it’s just crazy! Moreover, Guy Moussi (Nottingham) told me the level has improved in the last few years, especially tactically and technically, because of the arrival of foreign players and managers. A lot of club in the Championship, League One or League Two have changed their way of playing. Look at Barnet, they try to play Tiki-Taka! With the British fighting spirit it creates a fantastic level.

Barnet: teaching Iniesta and co a lesson or two.

What would you say about the level of professionalism in English and Scottish lower leagues? 

If you mean diet and lifestyle, the British football still lack of professionalism. Ask Luke Shaw for example ;)

What has shocked you the most in following lower leagues and English football in general?

The number of away fans. Last week, I read an article about Truro’s fans. They’re bottom in Conference South but they still support their team, home and away. A-m-a-z-i-n-g!

Truro fans deserve our respect, and not only for supporting a team called Truro and living in Truro. True fans.

What have you loved the most about following lower league football in the UK?
 
Every week, you have hilarious stories all around the UK. Just an example, do you know who did the recruitment for Portsmouth in the last months [things have changed very recently]? The physio! I love it! I mean, the guy was inviting different players to come to trial, was the Chief Scout, and then he'd come back to being the physio as well. Incredible!

If you had to name some French players in lower leagues who'll do well, who would they be? 

Anthony Andreu. He plays for Livingston, in the Scottish First Division. He is a cracking midfielder with an eye for a goal. And he’s a top guy. Joslain Mayebi (Cameroonian) is a fantastic goalkeeper. He plays for Wrexham but he can challenge in the Championship next year. I like Farid El Alagui from Brentford. He was terrific at Falkirk last year. He’s a goal poacher and a real threat in the air. Top guy too. He was injured this season but he’s back now.

Anthony Andreu: Look out for him, says Romain.

Any players you have seen who have impressed you?
 
Eunan O’Kane, the Irish midfielder from Bournemouth. He has three lungs! He runs all game long and his passing is class. Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace) is a wonderful midfielder too. I think he will play in the Premier League very soon. His energy and his maturity amaze me. In Scotland, Andrew Shinnie [who today agreed to play for Birmingham from next season] is really impressive. He’s Inverness' playmaker. He’s like an old fashioned midfielder. He’s not particularly quick but he creates space for his teammates. I love that kind of player.

Eunan O'Kane: The man with three lungs.

Which interview was the most interesting or memorable for you?
 
Sacha Opinel ! He has a fantastic personality. It was a long interview (three parts) but it’s a joy to read. Honestly, I spoke with top guys like Farid El Alagui or Maxime Blanchard (Plymouth). They were sincere with me and it’s very rare nowadays. One special moment was with Morgan Schneiderlin. I saw him for a friendly game in Switzerland, at Etoile-Carouge (Geneva). He gave me his phone number and I call him the next week. No answer. It was a Friday evening. Southampton played a friendly game against Wolves on the Saturday. Morgan was at the stadium (injury) and he called me. He apologized so many times, you can’t imagine. We spoke an hour and half, it was very funny. Last month, it was the same thing. He called me back because he was at a meeting. Even if he’s a Premier League player, he’s still human. I wish every player follow his example… Be human, not a robot!

Morgan Schneiderlin: A great guy. And, more importantly, not a robot.

Sacha Opinel Interview
Morgan Schneiderlin Interview