Football

Quotations about Football

Using Quotations in a Speech or Text about Football

As well as keeping your audience engaged, adding quotations to a speech or a text can significantly enhance its impact and effectiveness. Quotations are useful for explaining complex ideas concisely, much in the same way that analogies are used. Additionally, quotations from experts or celebrities can add credibility to your message.

Here are some funny and poignant quotations about football. If your speech is serious, do not automatically avoid funny quotations as they can often be the most impactful, forcing your audience into the thinking about the hidden analogous message in your selected quotation.

"Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious." (British actor Peter Ustinov)
"When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth." (Irish dramatist George Bernard Shaw)

If you are looking to make a fuller speech about football, then below this selection of quotations are three funny themes and three serious themes on the topic of football that might help trigger some ideas for your speech or text.

"Some people think football is a matter of life and death...I can assure them it is much more serious than that." Bill Shankly (Scottish football manager, 1913-81)

"George Best was often told by Matt Busby not to turn up for Busby's team talks to Manchester United: It wasn't worth it. It was a very simple team talk. All I used to say was: 'Whenever possible, give the ball to George.'" Matt Busby (Scottish football manager, 1909-94)

The English football team – brilliant on paper, *shit on grass.*but do not perform.*and great to watch.* Arthur Smith (British comedian, 1954-)

"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one." Brian Clough (English football manager, 1935-2004)

I wouldn't say I was the best football manager in the business, but I was definitely in the top *one.*ten.*hundred.* Brian Clough (English football manager, 1935-2004)

I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I *just squandered.*saved.*gave to my mum.* George Best (Northern Irish footballer, 1946-2005)

"I can see the *carrot*light*pitch* at the end of the tunnel." Stuart Pearce (English footballer, 1962-)

"I once said Gazza's IQ was less than his shirt number, and he asked me, 'What's an IQ?'" Bobby Robson (England footballer manager, 1933-2009)

"We [the players and I] talk about it for 20 minutes and then we decide I was right." Brian Clough (English football manager, 1935-2004)

United will no longer be a football club, it will be a giant Old Trafford *fruit machine.*market.*bazaar.* Tommy Docherty (Scottish football manager, 1928-)

"If only he could pass *a betting shop*an exam*wind* like he does a football." Reg Drury (English journalist, 1928-2003) about England international Stan Bowles

Yes, the *band.*goalkeepers.*referee.* Elizabeth II (British queen, 1926-2022) when asked whether she thought anyone had played well in a dull football Cup Final

"The natural state of the football fan is bitter disappointment, no matter what the score." Nick Hornby (British journalist, 1957-)

"I don't think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell football, never mind understand it." Roy Keane (Irish football player and manager, 1971-)

"The nice aspect about football is that, if things go wrong, it's *the manager*me*the fans* who gets the blame." Gary Lineker (English footballer, 1960-) before his first match as England captain

"Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, the Germans win." Gary Lineker (English footballer, 1960-)

"What's a geriatric? A German footballer scoring three goals." Bob Monkhouse (English entertainer, 1928-2003)

"I think football would become an even better game if someone could invent a ball that kicks back." Eric Morecambe (English comedian, 1926-84)

"We didn't *underestimate them.*expect that.*prepare well.* They were a lot better than we thought." Bobby Robson (England football manager, 1933-2009) about Cameroon

"The first ninety minutes are the most important." Bobby Robson (England football manager, 1933-2009)

Thinking Template for a Speech or Text on Football

Below are 3 funny themes and 3 serious themes related to football. These have been included to help you identify areas to explore.

Funny Themes:

Football Fails: Hilarious Moments on the Field
- Share amusing stories and videos of football fails, from missed goals to funny celebrations gone wrong, highlighting the lighter side of the sport.
Fan Antics: The Funniest Moments in the Stands
- Highlight some of the funniest and most memorable moments involving football fans, showcasing their passion and the humorous ways they support their teams.
Commentator Gold: Hilarious Quotes and Blunders
- Explore humorous quotes and blunders from football commentators, emphasizing the funny and unexpected things said during live broadcasts.

Serious Themes:

The History of Football: From Ancient Games to Modern Sport
- Discuss the history and evolution of football, tracing its origins from ancient games to its development into the modern sport we know today.
The Impact of Football on Society: Beyond the Game
- Address the significant impact football has on society, including its role in promoting physical fitness, community spirit, and cultural exchange.
Challenges in Football: Addressing Issues in the Sport
- Explore some of the current challenges facing football, such as player health and safety, corruption, and the need for greater inclusivity and diversity in the sport.

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