alright, got something here, I got the gist of it, but not the details through google translate, but the basque-only tradition started in 1912 http://servicios.elcorreo.com/especiales/eleccionesathletic/noticias/not270501a.html
Athletic Bilbao 3- 2 Levante Gaizka Toquero (30') David López (pen 47') Fernando Llorente (63') Christian Stuani (77') Victoriano Nano (85') GOALS: 17 Llorente 6 Toquero 5 Gabilondo 5 Muniaín 4 Martinez 4 Iraola 4 David López 2 San Jose 2 Gurpegui 1 Pérez 1 Urko Vera 1 Orbáiz 1 Susaeta ASSISTS 6 López 6 Iraola 4 Gabilondo 3 Toquero 3 Susaeta 2 Oscar 2 Caseras 2 Llorente 2 Muniaín 1 Orbáiz 1 Martínez 1 Iturraspe 1 Aurtenetxe *5th: 17-3-15 ................... O5/1O/11 @ *Euope League
Ah, hope that means that one day a non basque player plays for them. Interesting. Damn, thats long tradition.
No. Why? To quote you: It's a poll used a lot in articles about Athletic Bilbao, but it shows you the feeling fans have with the club BECAUSE of the tradition: An El Mundo poll showed that 76% of fans would rather be relegated from La Liga than change the policy. And considering we've NEVER been relegated, that's a pretty big statement. Of course, the policy has gotten relaxed, so players who learn their football in the region can play for the club, but it's also strict in the sense that players whose grandparents may have Basque backgrounds but moved to various South American countries (many to escape the spanish dictator Franco-who only had one testicle btw) can't play for Athletic. That means players like Diego Forlan (who wanted to play for Athletic after his Man U disaster) and Gonzalo Higuain CANNOT play for the club. It'll be interesting to see if that too gets relaxed, though it's still tough to see Athletic sign a player who is not Spanish or French. And a final fun fact: Athletic have produced more players for the Spanish national team than ANY OTHER club. I wouldn't trade this tradition for anything in the world, and I'm an American, just imagine how the native Basques feel! Here's another great overview (in english!) about the club and the policy: http://bilbao.theoffside.com/team-news/brief-history-of-athletic-club-the-basque-only-policy.html
that is a great article thanks for sharing. and i'll update my stats later today. we could've used a win feh!
Deportivo 2 - 1 Athletic Bilbao Gaizka Toquero (3') Adrián (22') Xabier Castillo (og 71') GOALS: 17 Llorente 7 Toquero 5 Gabilondo 5 Muniaín 4 Martinez 4 Iraola 4 David López 2 San Jose 2 Gurpegui 1 Pérez 1 Urko Vera 1 Orbáiz 1 Susaeta ASSISTS 7 Iraola 6 López 4 Gabilondo 3 Toquero 3 Susaeta 2 Oscar 2 Caseras 2 Llorente 2 Muniaín 1 Orbáiz 1 Martínez 1 Iturraspe 1 Aurtenetxe *5th: 17-3-16 ................... O5/1O/11 V *Euope League
hercules and real sociedad both need to come up big.... i don't expect any help from any of them: especially zaragoza and hercules
Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Málaga Recio (42') David López (pen miss 53') David López (pen 55') GOALS: 17 Llorente 7 Toquero 5 Gabilondo 5 Muniaín 5 David López 4 Martinez 4 Iraola 2 San Jose 2 Gurpegui 1 Pérez 1 Urko Vera 1 Orbáiz 1 Susaeta ASSISTS 7 Iraola 6 López 4 Gabilondo 3 Toquero 3 Susaeta 2 Oscar 2 Caseras 2 Llorente 2 Muniaín 1 Orbáiz 1 Martínez 1 Iturraspe 1 Aurtenetxe *6th: 17-4-16 ................... O5/22/11 @ *Euope League
[LINEUP-4-4-2]Llorente, Toquero, Muniain, Javi Martínez, Orbaiz, David López, Castillo, Amorebieta, Ekiza, Iraola, Iraizoz[/LINEUP-4-4-2]
Racing 1 - 2 Athletic Bilbao David López (21') Fernando Llorente (22') Kennedy Bakircioglü (88') GOALS: 18 Llorente 7 Toquero 6 David López 5 Gabilondo 5 Muniaín 4 Martinez 4 Iraola 2 San Jose 2 Gurpegui 1 Pérez 1 Urko Vera 1 Orbáiz 1 Susaeta ASSISTS 7 Iraola 6 López 4 Gabilondo 3 Toquero 3 Susaeta 2 Oscar 2 Caseras 2 Llorente 2 Muniaín 2 Orbáiz 1 Martínez 1 Iturraspe 1 Aurtenetxe *6th: 18-4-16 *Euope League
and thats the season! Interesting offseason coming up. hopefully none of our youngsters get injured with the U-20s, including the newest Lion Ander Herrera. Plus, Joaquin Caparros' contract is up. If Macau wins the presidential elections, it's likely Caparros will stay, but who knows he's wanted by some other clubs
It is going to be a quiet offseason. We will keep Caparros, bring over Herrera, and position ourselves for next year. I think we can push for a Top 3 spot.
There's an offer on table from Athletico Madrid for Caparros. Looks like he'll take it, as presidential elections for Athletic will not be completed until July, and no candidate has made their coach of choice official. Looks like we lost him. Hopefully we get a big name, successful coach in. Plus, Malaga and Sevilla will add to Villarreal and Valencia and make it even HARDER to qualify next year. I think we can do it but it's going to be hard
BOOM!!!! Marcelo Bielsa rejects Internazionale for Athletic!!! GORA BILBAO! Interesting to see as to how he will adapt to the Euskadi only policy.
Good day for the good guys, I think. I appreciate what Caparros accomplished, but I was at times frustrated with his direct approach. We have skilled players throughout our team, but even against lesser teams often played over the midfield. It will be interesting, and fun, to see what Bielsa does. Looking forward to next season!