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Sergey BuntmanHost of the "Football Club" on "Echo of Moscow"
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Manchester United: A Love Story
- A Fateful Match
- From Airplane Crash to Triumph
- Following United in Soviet Times
- A Dream Come True: Witnessing United Live
- A Heartbreaking Loss
- Unforgettable Blunders
- Football in the Family
- A Legacy of Spartak Moscow
- The First Match
- Veteran Matches as History Lessons
- A Political Statement
- Tears and Tribulations
- England's Triumph and Heartbreak
- The Glamour of the Sixties
- Enduring Reads
- A Bitter Betrayal
Manchester United: A Love Story
Vasily Utkin, host of "Football Club" on Ekho Moskvy radio and a lifelong Manchester United fan, shared his journey of fandom with Denis Romantsov, recalling how he rooted for Spartak Moscow in the First Division, ate porridge for Igor Netto, and took フィギュア skating lessons with Anatoli Buzunov.
A Fateful Match
In 1963, a broadcast of the England-World team match sparked Utkin's fascination for Manchester United. He learned about the tragic Munich air disaster and was moved by the story of Bobby Charlton, who became Utkin's idol. As the 1966 World Cup approached, Utkin's passion for United had taken root.
From Airplane Crash to Triumph
Utkin marveled at the resilience of the team that emerged from the Munich tragedy. Players like Nobby Stiles, Bill Foulkes, and Bobby Charlton overcame adversity to win the 1963 FA Cup and the 1968 European Cup Final. Charlton's unwavering spirit left a lasting impression on Utkin, as did the emotional film "United."
Following United in Soviet Times
In the Soviet era, Utkin relied on resources like "Sovetsky Sport" and "Humanite" for Manchester United updates. When Soviet teams entered European competitions, he eagerly watched matches like the 1968 European Cup Final.
A Dream Come True: Witnessing United Live
Utkin's lifelong dream came true in 2008 when he attended the Champions League Final in Moscow. He savored the atmosphere and the thrill of seeing his beloved team in person.
A Heartbreaking Loss
The 1999 Champions League Final proved to be bittersweet for Utkin. Initially disappointed by United's performance, he witnessed the dramatic late surge that led to victory. However, the thought of a missed opportunity haunted him.
Unforgettable Blunders
Utkin's choices on match day proved costly. He mistakenly chose the wrong bar to watch the 2009 Champions League Final, resulting in a loss for United. He also experienced a hilarious gaffe during the 2008 Moscow Final when he inadvertently cheered for the opposition team.
Football in the Family
Utkin's passion for United has been passed down to his son, Zhenya, who became an ardent Red Devil. Zhenya's football-themed room is a testament to their shared love of the game.
A Legacy of Spartak Moscow
Despite his adoration for Manchester United, Utkin's roots lie in Spartak Moscow. His grandfather played football in the 1930s, and his father instilled in him a deep connection to the club. Utkin vividly recalls eating porridge in honor of Spartak's legendary players and cherishing memories of his father's stories about pre-war football.
The First Match
Utkin's first football match was a 1964 Soviet Cup clash between Spartak and Zalgiris. He was awestruck by the agility of Galimzyan Khusainov, who scored the winning goal with a header.
Veteran Matches as History Lessons
Utkin and his father frequently attended veteran matches, where Olympic champions and legendary players from the past displayed their skills. These matches provided a glimpse into the golden era of Soviet football and instilled in Utkin a profound appreciation for the game's history.
A Political Statement
In 1991, Igor Netto refused to play in a veteran match to join the democratic movement. Utkin's admiration for Netto, who suffered from Alzheimer's and often lost his memory, extended to his brother Lev, a prisoner of war and survivor of the Gulag.
Tears and Tribulations
Utkin's first emotional experience with football was the 1964 European Cup Final, where a technical glitch prevented viewers from seeing Franco appear on screen. The 1966 World Cup Final loss to West Germany also brought him to tears.
England's Triumph and Heartbreak
Utkin's support of the England national team stemmed from his love of Scottish history. He was deeply disappointed by England's defeat to Argentina in 1998, particularly considering the historical rivalry between the two nations.
The Glamour of the Sixties
Utkin cherishes the football of the 1960s, which he believes marked a turning point in style and attitude. He recalls the infamous incident involving George Best, who escaped to meet a woman during the 1968 European Cup Final, highlighting the relative innocence of the era.
Enduring Reads
Among the most memorable football books for Utkin include:- "Veчнозеленое поле жизни" (Forever Green Field of Life) by Anatoly Bubukin, a charming storyteller who described the preparation and qualities of the 1960 Soviet national team.
- Books by Nikolai Petrovich and Andrei Petrovich Starostin, which provide insights into Spartak Moscow and football administration.
A Bitter Betrayal
Utkin's emotions ran high when Spartak Moscow was relegated to the First Division in 1976. However, he credits this setback with igniting his renewed passion for the team and ultimately leading to their resurgence under a new generation of players.
