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29 definitions starting with "S"

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When a team is accused of spying on another team in training to gain an advantage in an upcoming fixture. It riles up managers, first-team coaches, players, and adds tension to the next meeting between the two. Fans of the team accused of spying use it as an excuse to dress up as birdwatchers with binoculars, and the fans of the team spied on can get very angry. It adds an extra element of rivalry and tension.

The original Spygate involved Leeds United and Derby County in the 2018/2019 Championship season. Marcelo Bielsa admitted to sending a spy to watch Frank Lampard’s side in training in the run up to their match. It was an ethical problem, not technically breaking any rules, but Leeds were fined £200,000. Fast forward to the 2025/2026 season and we witnessed Spygate 2.0 when a member of Southampton’s coaching staff was caught watching and recording a Middlesbrough training session, which is now against the rules.

The Gaffer
The Gaffer May 12, 2026
6 1

The aim of SCR is to provide a more competitive playing field for all Premier League clubs. In theory it should prevent clubs with the richest owners from hoarding too many players, without compromising clubs who want to invest in stadium and training infrastructure amongst other organisational improvements. There is also a multi-year rolling allowance of 30% above the 85% limit. Clubs must submit estimated revenues and costs to the Premier League at the start of the season, with compliance assessed in March based on those figures. Spending must be at a maximum of 85%, with a six-point deduction for clubs that go over that threshold and a further point deducted for £6.5 million spent over the 115%.

The Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations have been permanently implemented by the Premier League for the 2026-27 season, replacing the Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules that were previously in place. UEFA already has a SCR rule for European competition that stands at 70%, whereas the new Premier League rule is set at 85%.

The Finance Guy
The Finance Guy Oct 14, 2026
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How good the backup players are when starters get injured or rested. Deep squads can rotate without losing quality. Shallow squads fall apart when key players are missing. Manchester City's depth means their B-team could challenge for titles; smaller clubs rely on 11 players and pray they stay fit. Modern football's congested schedule makes depth more valuable than ever.
Manchester City's 2022-23 treble relied on squad depth - players like Julián Álvarez, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer could step in seamlessly when needed, ensuring no dip in quality across 60+ matches.
Robbie Feb 2, 2026
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The foot that stays planted while you kick with the other. Where you place your standing foot affects the direction and power of your shot or pass. Too far from the ball and you lean back, skying it. Too close and you can't get a clean swing. Coaches drill standing foot placement into youth players because it's the foundation of good technique.
When pundits say a striker "got his body over the ball," they usually mean his standing foot was positioned correctly - planted close to the ball so he could lean forward and keep the shot down rather than blazing it over.
Robbie Feb 5, 2026
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Moving your foot over and around the ball without touching it, creating a feint to throw defenders off. Also called scissors or "pedaladas." You can do one or string several together, like early Ronaldo at United, who would do four or five in a row. At speed with a sharp burst afterwards, it leaves defenders stuck. Do too many and your teammates start getting annoyed.
Cristiano Ronaldo's early Manchester United years featured excessive stepovers that frustrated defenders and teammates alike, but as he matured, he learned to deploy them more strategically for maximum effect.
Robbie Jan 15, 2026
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