When Gary Neville took charge of Valencia in 2015, the Crickex Affiliate debate around famous players becoming coaches carried huge expectations for him. As one of Manchester United’s celebrated Class of 92, he had been a serial winner in the Premier League and the Champions League. After retirement, he became a Sky Sports pundit, where his sharp tactical analysis often made him look like a man who understood football down to the bone. Yet once he actually sat on the bench, everything fell apart. In 119 days, he managed only 28 matches, struggled badly in …

Across northern Europe, readers completing Crickex Affiliate registration will find five nations that have long carried more footballing influence than their modest populations and territories might suggest. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland have each produced memorable teams, outstanding players and major tournament stories that earned them respect across the continent. Sweden have traditionally led the Nordic region, finishing as World Cup runners-up once, third twice and fourth on another occasion. Denmark created the famous Danish fairy tale by winning the European Championship in 1992. Finland produced celebrated figures such as Jari Litmanen and Sami …