{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/0fc6a233-bbae-4ba5-b882-c075544353a8/65f2f969aa279c00179fca5a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Dark Arts…","description":"<p>Are footballers stupid? Why do footballers cut holes in their socks? And how to write a match report in 2 minutes.</p><p>Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft, Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke discuss the dark arts of football and sports writing.</p><p>On the pitch they were exemplified by Porto on Tuesday night. </p><p>But what are the dark arts of the press box? How do writers produce a piece when the result turns around in the final minutes? &nbsp;Martin recounts the Nou Camp in 99’ – from “Poor old Fergie gets his tactics wrapped around his neck...\" to \"Arise Sir Alex!…” And facing a deadline, Jonny McNorthcroft found himself hoping Scotland didn’t score.</p><p>Gregor had a surprising response to his article on ‘Why do footballers cut holes in their socks?’ Which led to another question - are footballers stupid?</p><p>Finally – its FA cup weekend.</p>","author_name":"The Times"}