Nutmeg Magazine

We could say that we chose to produce a free-kick special because set-pieces are being so widely discussed and we wanted to be newsworthy, but it would be a lie. The idea came during a Nutmeg editorial meeting back in the summer and was based entirely on a shared love of free-kick minutiae, from debating what players talk about as they line up in a wall to who invented the draft excluder. Our multi-layered affection is reflected in the wide-range of topics covered by this article series, from Griffiths against England to differing opinions on set-piece coaches via Pirlo’s three-toe detective work.

Elsewhere, we’re chuffed to bring you the usual blend of great football storytelling about matters past, present and future. We take a tour of modern Dutch football culture, jump in the time machine for a look back to the Big Freeze of 1963 and board a train to wonderful Gayfield. Elsewhere there are pieces on the good in the game, Glasgow City, co-managers, Stein at Hibs, munitionette players, Barry Bannan, Maryhill FC, scouting and oh so much more. It might be winter, but these pages will warm your cockles, whatever cockles are.

Issue 38 Includes
The free-kick issue:
Inside story of Leigh Griffiths’ double against England. By Scott Fleming
Strachan and McMaster’s contrived chaos on an incredible Pittodrie night. By Stephen McGowan
Secrets of a set-piece coach By Jonathan Northcroft
Learning at the feet of a Brazilian master. By Andrea Pirlo
My time studying the perfect free-kick repeatedly paid off. By Charlie Mulgrew

Plus:
A year with Glasgow City: Part 2.
Therapy in Arbroath. By Adam Clery
The Big Freeze of ’63. By Harry Pearson
Interview with Barry Bannan.
Jock Stein at Hibs.
Meet the co-managers.
Steve McAnespie’s Hurricane Katrina hell.