The revival of a North v South football match has sparked fresh debate, coinciding with Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over a team in red at Wembley eerily similar to the 1932 FA Cup Final against Arsenal. That historic clash, dubbed the North v South Final, captivated audiences to the extent that King George V attended. Fans from Tyneside were so eager that some arrived over two days before kickoff, camping under a hedge in Harrow Road for the night.
Regional sporting rivalries have long been a tradition, with contests spanning various disciplines. Reports have chronicled North v South battles in lacrosse, hockey, water polo, rugby union deemed highly significant in the late 19th century golf, draughts, bridge, and chess. Cricket embraced the concept as early as 1817, maintaining it until 1961 with sporadic attempts at revival.
Now, the football version returns in an unconventional format featuring semi-retired players. Scheduled for June 1 at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic, the match will showcase talent from clubs on both sides of the divide. The South’s team is set to be managed by Harry Redknapp, while Robbie Fowler takes charge of the North. Fowler emphasized the appeal of the idea, calling it “a great concept that I hope everyone gets behind.”
The official announcement promises an engaging and entertaining spectacle, though the definition of northern and southern eligibility has raised questions. Fowler’s remark about scouting “overseas” players added an unexpected twist. Reports further suggest that participants may either have regional roots or be considered “adopted icons,” raising eyebrows about selection criteria.
This concept seemingly aligns with a suggestion from Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly. In 2022, he proposed incorporating elements from American sports, advocating for an All-Star game and even a tournament among struggling teams. While the latter idea has not materialized, the North v South clash appears to stem from similar thinking.
The event may yet provide an entertaining spectacle. At the very least, it offers a novel footballing occasion without adopting Boehly’s proposed relegation play-off format though, given recent trends, such an expansion might not be entirely off the table.
