by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Spartak Dynamo FC is not your typical football club. The South Dublin side, which plays its home games in Marlay Park, was inspired by two clubs that make up the oldest rivalry in Russian football. 

SDFC currently fields teams in Ireland's Amateur Football League and Leinster Senior League. The club was founded in 1970 by Paul McGowan, who is also the manager, treasurer, a former Spartak Dynamo player, and the father of the Sunday team's captain, Neil McGowan. The father-son duo hold various records at the club, perhaps the most notable of which is Paul McGowan's 45-year managerial career. Few clubs have the same manager for two decades, let alone over 40 years. Fred Everiss spent 46 seasons as secretary-manager at West Bromwich Albion. Jim Davies spent half a century training Waterloo Dock. Paul McGowan has been with Spartak Dynamo from day one; four and a half decades later, he tells how it all began.


There's a lot of speculation as to how the club came about. Was it originally inspired by Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Moscow?

What are the similarities and differences between the AFL and LSL?
The AFL never permitted professional players, whereas at the top level of LSL there are many players who have dropped down from the League of Ireland, who would have been professional. The top level of LSL (Intermediate Divisions) would be close to national league level, and these clubs compete in national competitions, often knocking out League of Ireland teams.

Is there promotion/relegation within the AFL or LSL? If so, have any Spartak Dynamo FC sides ever been promoted/relegated?
Yes, there is. Spartak have been up and down the pyramid and currently reside in the lower reaches. 
It would have to be Messi - the players would be enthralled! 

How does being outside of the transfer market and “big money football” affect the players' approach to the game?

Spartak Dynamo's Sunday team in Feb. 2011. Photo: spartakdynamofc.com

Are you originally from Dublin? How did you get your start in football? 
Yes, I'm from Dublin. I went to University here, work and live here with my wife and daughter. I've played football all my life; ever since I can remember I've never been far from a football.

As a footballer, what influenced your decision to join Spartak Dynamo FC, as opposed to many of the other Irish clubs?
I played school boy football at a good level and had several options when I reached 18. However, my dad, who is both the founder and manager of Spartak, gave me little choice!

How many years have you been playing for SDFC? Do you remember your first match for the Sky Blues?
I joined Spartak in 1996 and have played for them ever since. That makes it more than 18 years! Yes, I remember my first game. I came on as sub in a home match and played really well. I just wanted to get on the pitch and show what I could do. I really enjoyed it.

You play for the Sunday LSL team, right? What's it like wearing the captain's armband? How did you get to that point in your career?
Yes, we've had our ups and downs over the years and at the moment we are rebuilding a team. The standard in our league is pretty poor right now, but we're doing well and have some good players so hopefully we will get promoted and start playing at a better level again.

The captain's armband is fun! It gives me license to be the cranky old guy on the team.

Do you mostly play in one position, or switch around depending on the game?
I'm a midfielder and prefer to play there.

What's a typical training session at SDFC like?
We've a good group of guys and I love training. A few drills, some sprinting and a couple of five-a-sides is usually it.

Does SDFC have a historic rival or a team that's an Achilles' heel?
Not really!

Are there any amusing stories either from training or a particular game?
Too many to mention. There have been some great weekends away.
Aside from its name, what sets Spartak Dynamo FC apart from the other sides in the AFL and LSL?
Are you suggesting our name is unusual?! My dad was a fan of Spartak and Dynamo in the early 1970's when he founded the club. I think all the lads work really hard on making Spartak a welcoming and friendly club. It's why so many people have an association with it that makes my 18 years look short.

Do you follow the club's namesakes, Spartak or Dynamo Moscow? What teams and leagues do you follow?
I do watch out for Spartak results, but I support Manchester United.
Is there a former or current Spartak Dynamo player you look up to for inspiration or base your style of play on? What players from bigger clubs do you look up to?
Barry Crowe. He's a true club legend and was a left footed central midfielder who was a great player. Paul Scholes, Manchester United.

What coach has influenced you the most and helped shape who you are as a player today?
It's got to be my dad! He's been my manager for the last 18 years...

Has there been a memorable game or moment in your career thus far?
There've been a few. I scored four goals in a game once, which was enjoyable, but my most memorable game was a Irish Junior Cup game against a team from Donegal. We travelled up as a team for the weekend, had a great couple of days, and I scored a fantastic goal which got us to penalties, which we won.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as a player?
I've had a lot of injuries, starting off with a cruciate ligament reconstruction when I was 23 and about four or five follow up operations. It has been tough to recover properly each time.

You've got quite a few club awards. What have been the main factors that contributed to your success, and what else do you hope to achieve or improve on?
My dad counts the Player of the Year votes! I'm nearing the end of my career, so at this stage, it's just about having fun and keeping fit.

In part two, Aleks chats with Spartak Dynamo FC founder and manager Paul McGowan.

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Week 19 of the 2014/15 Russian Premier League will feature one of the biggest fixtures of any season - the Moscow derby between Spartak and Dynamo. The oldest derby in Russian football was first played on June 17, 1923. Coincidentally, it was Dynamo Moscow's debut match. The game saw five goals, plenty of action, and a controversial late spot-kick that gave Spartak's predecessor, Krasnaya Presnya, the victory. To top it all off, the referee, Konstantin Kvashnin, would go on to play for and manage both sides! Needless to say, that game set the stage for a rivalry no lesser than the Manchester derby in England or El Derbi madrileno in Spain.

August 2014: The captains stand by for the coin toss. Photo: Konstantin Rybin

Dynamo and Spartak did not just dominate the Soviet Top League for many years, but also played together as one unit in the All-Union Spartakiad and sometimes traveled abroad representing Moscow in international friendlies. As with other rivalries, there were and still are players who leave one team for the other. Although such a move has long been regarded as betrayal, there is less of a stigma these days, since loyalty to one side for a long period of time is a rarity in modern football. Dynamo defender Vladimir Granat, currently on loan at Rostov, will join Spartak at the end of the season. A handful of managers have been at the helm for both sides. Dynamo's current head coach, Stanislav Cherchesov, played in goal for Spartak and managed the red-and-whites in 2007-2008.

While Dynamo's only domestic silverware since the collapse of the Soviet Union is the 1995 Russian Cup, Spartak were consistently successful at the dawn of post-Soviet football. The Romantsev era saw nine league titles, six of them consecutive, along with two Cup wins and a 1997-98 UEFA Cup semi-final appearance. Their streak began to peter out after Romantsev's exit, however. The club had seven managers in nine seasons, and while they did finish runners-up on five occasions, it's been almost 14 years since their last league title, and almost 12 since they last lifted the Russian Cup.

Dynamo, on the other hand, have not won a championship since 1976. The beginning of their title drought shifted the spotlight to their namesakes in Kiev, whose rivalry with Spartak attained a higher popularity in the 1970's. Spartak and Dynamo Moscow's form in recent years, however, has brought back potential for a resurgence of such games as the nostalgic among us have longed for. In the 2012/13 season, Spartak marked one of their biggest victories over Dynamo by winning four goals to nil. That same season, Dan Petrescu led the blue-and-whites to a 5:1 derby win, a score that they hadn't had against Spartak for 64 years.

Dynamo have yet to beat Spartak since that game. The start of the 2014/15 season marked the 200th match between Spartak and Dynamo, a 2:1 win for the red-and-whites away at Arena Khimki.

For the second season, Dynamo's unbeaten streak was cut short at 18 games as they went down 3:1 to Napoli in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16. Spartak saw their own unbeaten run come to an end - after seven home games without a loss, Yakin's men lost 3:1 to Krasnodar on the 8th of March.

Dynamo go into Sunday's game with the spectre of a European play-off round, while Spartak, free from the burden of other competitions, will be looking to rediscover their home field advantage. A six-point gap separates 7th place Spartak from 3rd place Dynamo. At this point in the season, every victory can have a monumental impact. Spartak's patience with managers is always hanging by a thread, and Dynamo are long overdue for a top three finish. What awaits us this time in the biggest Moscow derby?

Spartak Moscow vs Dynamo Moscow - Fast Facts:
200 games played (72-69-59)
Goals: 281-264

2014/15 RPL - Week 19
Spartak Moscow vs Dynamo Moscow
13:30 MSK (6:30am ET)
Otrkitie Arena
Referee: Aleksei Nikolaev
Suspensions: Kim Kallstrom (Spartak)

* Referee Aleksei Nikolaev has officiated three Spartak-Dynamo derbies (2 draws, 1 Spartak win) in which he gave out 17 yellow cards. In each game, he sent off a player after two bookings (2 Spartak, 1 Dynamo).

Giant Juicy Previews

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

With the second day of the 20th MLS season and the return of the 2014/15 RPL, GoalChatter takes a look at this weekend's action-packed football schedule. All times are in EST.

Saturday March 7

8:00am - RPL - Terek Grozny vs CSKA Moscow
The reigning champions of the Russian Premier League kick off the first RPL match of 2015 on Saturday morning with an away game against 9th placed Terek. Although the team from Grozny poses no threat to overtake the leader board and will probably finish the season mid-table, Leonid Slutskiy's men should be wary of the hosts' defense; Terek have thus far conceded the least number of goals at home in the Premier League. They've also signed defenders and forwards during the transfer window, including former Lokomotiv centre-back Rodolfo. Being away from their usual residence at Akhmat Arena, however, may tinker with their home field advantage. With 11 goals allowed in 7 away games, CSKA will need to focus on getting more clean sheets on the road. Goal difference may play a crucial role in the title race. The Army Men's main weakness, however, is the lack of an experienced player up front after Seydou Doumbia's departure to AS Roma. Will their newly-signed young strikers be up to the challenge?

11:00am - RPL - Zenit St Petersburg vs Ural

Zenit manager Andre Villas-Boas. Photo: Getty Images.

Andre Villas-Boas said he wanted to do for Zenit what Peter the Great did for St. Petersburg, and so far, he's been true to his word. With a 13-2-2 record and a spot in the Europa League Round of 16, Zenit are an unstoppable machine. A home game against relegation-bound Ural is likely to see them pass go and collect 3 points. Neither team has made any key signings, although Artem Dzyuba will be joining Zenit in the summer. Ural's veteran centre-back Solvi Ottesen left for Chinese club Jiangsu Sainty in February. For the visitors, it'll be one of many opportunities to attempt to salvage a spot in the Premier League.

10:30pm - MLS - Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake
Both teams are at a turning point. Portland start the season with injuries and a new keeper in goal after the departure of Donovan Ricketts to Orlando City SC. RSL's squad is a mix of young and experienced players in all positions. Both sides have shown some good football last season, but failed to meet expectations. What will happen this time around?

Sunday March 8

5:30am - RPL - Spartak Moscow vs Krasnodar

Otkritie Arena.

An epic battle between two teams in the race for a European spot. Krasnodar will attempt to break Spartak's unbeaten home record at Otkritie Arena. Adding drama to this fixture is Spartak midfielder Roman Shirokov's loan to the visitors. Although the Red-and-Whites have parted with a slew of key players, including Artem Dzyuba, and failed to replace them, the club has expressed their desire to shift focus on their homegrown players. Krasnodar, meanwhile, have loaned out defender Nikolay Markov and winger Nikita Burmistrov. Right-back Artur Jedrzejczyk is out injured and expected to return in late May. Refereeing may play a vital role - referee Sergey Ivanov is known for giving out bookings and has awarded 6 penalties in 11 games this season.

8:00am - RPL - Dynamo Moscow vs Ufa
Dynamo aim to keep expanding their 17-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. With just two points separating them from 2nd place CSKA, the Blue-and-Whites also have a shot at the silver medals and a Champions League spot. One of the tests for any successful side is whether or not they underestimate a seemingly lesser opponent. Another challenge for Dynamo will be solving their ongoing lack of a clear, consistent centre-forward. Ufa have strengthened their midfield and line of attack during the winter transfer window, and are looking to attain mid-table stability while avoiding the relegation zone.

10:30am - RPL - Rostov vs Lokomotiv Moscow
Bottom-of-the-table Rostov will attempt to regain their form with a new manager in Kurban Berdyev, and a slew of players on loan from bigger sides, including Artem Dzyuba and Sardar Azmoun. Berdyev will be tasked with the club's revival, and his coaching record shows he is up to the job. He made 30 appearances and scored 5 goals for Rostov as a player, and saw a successful 12-year coaching stint at Rubin Kazan that resulted in two Premier League titles, a Cup and two Super Cups. Rostov have been doing considerably better at home than away, so the support of their fans may help boost morale. Lokomotiv have one of the best defenses in the league and are just four points shy of 2nd place. They're always an ambitious side, so Rostov need to be careful to not allow goals.

4:00pm - MLS - Orlando City SC vs New York City FC

Orlando City supporters. Photo: orlandocitysc.com

Two new MLS teams face off in their inaugural season. The Big Apple has its first local football club since the New York Cosmos of the 70's and 80's, with a roster featuring a slew of familiar MLS players as well as Spanish forward David Villa. There's also a familiar coach in Jason Kreis, who led Real Salt Lake to their first MLS Cup. For Orlando, the game marks Florida's return to MLS after the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny were disbanded in 2001. Expectations are high for both sides.

6:00pm - MLS - Sporting Kansas City vs New York Red Bulls
The teams head into the new season with some big changes. For SKC, that includes the defense and the departure of Aurelien Collin and C.J. Sapong. For the Red Bulls, a new head coach after Mike Petke's successful run, and the absence of Thierry Henry. There's only one word to describe this fixture: uncertainty.

8:30pm - MLS - Seattle Sounders vs New England Revolution
Changes in defense for the Sounders with the departure of DeAndre Yedlin and Djimi Traore may shake things up in this fixture. They've signed veteran right- and centre-back Tyrone Mears, who played for English clubs like Bolton, Preston and Burnley, and 21-year-old left-back Andres Correa, who shone in the 2013 U-20 South American Championships. One of the main questions in this match-up will be Juan Agudelo's return to the Revs. Will he be able to return to the top of his game that he wowed us with in his early appearances for the USMNT?