R.I.P.

These are going to be the most emotional friendlies in the history of the Dutch national team (already scheduled well before news of Cruyff's death but what amazing timing):

 The Netherlands play France in Ajax's Amsterdam Arena in a friendly on Friday (19:45 GMT) = Saturday morning NZT and face England at Wembley on Tuesday (20:00 GMT) = Wednesday am NZT.

Our own Football Ferns play the Netherlands in a friendly near Amsterdam in two weeks time.

Cruyff quotes:

On himself:

• "In a way I'm probably immortal."
• "If I wanted you to understand it all, I would have explained it better."
• "Actually I never make a mistake, because it takes a huge effort for me to make a mistake."
• "I don't believe in God. In Spain all 22 players cross themselves, if it works the game is always going to be a tie."

On football and his philosophy

• "Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is."
• "Italians can't win the game against you, but you can lose the game against the Italians."
• "Quality without results is pointless. Results without quality is boring."
• "It's better to go down with your own vision than with someone else's."
• "In my teams, the goalie is the first attacker, and the striker the first defender."
• "There is only one ball, so you need to have it."
• "Why couldn't you beat a richer club? I've never seen a bag of money score a goal."

yep he'll be missed

Probably the most influential football brain ever. 

Barca wouldn't be where they are today without him.

RIP.

Love me a good Cruyff turn

He was magical.  RIP

He was football.

Up there with Pele and George Best and Rodney Marsh and Esuebio

Gary Shandling. His TV show was innovative and was one of the first to drop F Bombs. Some of his cameo guests for his "Talk TV Show" are A Listers. It was very dry and satirical. I thought it was brilliant myself.

Frank Torley Had been involved in the making of "Country Calendar" for 50 years.

Patty Duke.  RIP

She was excellent.

Ronnie Corbett aged 85. Part of the very best comedy duo imho. I wonder if he will be buried in a child size coffin?

very amusing whimsical stories...a funny man and IMO one of the genuine funny comedians

If these dont make you laugh, or giggle, then nothing will........(Compiled from the Scotsman.com)

“West Mersea police announced tonight that they wish to interview a man wearing high heels and frilly knickers, but the Chief Constable said they must wear their normal uniforms.”

“After a series of crimes in the Glasgow area, Chief Inspector McTavish has announced that he’s looking for a man with one eye. If he doesn’t find him, he’s going to use both eyes.”

“We’ve just heard that in the English Channel, a ship carrying red paint has collided with a ship carrying purple paint. It is believed that both crews have been marooned.”

“A cement mixer has collided with a prison van on the Kingston bypass, motorists are told to be on the lookout for 16 hardened criminals.”

“We’ve just heard that a juggernaut of onions has shed its load all over the M1. Motorists are advised to find a hard shoulder to cry on.”

“George Trimball, Blackpool’s longest serving deckchair attendant, was better tonight after collapsing at work today. It took five people 40 minutes to work out how to get him up again.”

“A vicar who rode his bike the wrong way up the M1 was asked how he managed to avoid an accident. He replied ‘God was with me’ and was furthered charged for riding two on a bike”

Good ol Ronnie

Cesare Maldini

Premier League Pass (and possibly coverage in NZ).

This is friggin unbelievable. In the good ol days before corporates started playing mind games with each other, we used to at least have Big League Soccer. TV One. Sunday lunchtime. Highlight of the week.

Thunderclap Newman, 73. One hit wonder with 'Something in the Air': pounding piano, weird voice. Saw him play once at the Blitz, Covent Garden.

Dave Cook, of AFC Fury and Mt Maunganui. A huge character. Totally polarising. Tributes from many here

https://in-the-back-of-the.net/2016/03/31/guest-post-cooks-recipe/#comment-32845

Ronnie Corbett was so self-effacing that he told a story on "Would I Lie to You" on UK TV recently about opening a rest home for retired show business people in London and one of the old dears said "Oh, I don't like him, I like the other one" and went back to her room.

He's on quite few episodes of both "Would I Lie to You?" and "Eight Out of Ten Cats" from recent years which screen several times every week on UK TV on Sky. Both very funny shows with good guests and hosts.

Ronnie Corbett was on an episode screened here in NZ the day before news of his death came through and another episode this week.

It's been brilliant to see other senior legends like Terry Wogan, Barry Cryer and Bernard Cribbens too.

RIP Ben Hall, former Canterbury United defender who passed away from motor neuron disease a week ago.

Only 33. Was Canterbury United's first choice fullback a decade ago.

I'm sure that if the disease hadn't struck him he's still be in the Canterbury United squad.

Had a season with Waitakere too several years ago.

http://deaths.press.co.nz/obituaries/the-press-nz/...

Phil Sayer aka 'Metal Mickey' - aged 62, the voice behind London Underground's "Mind the Gap".

Comedy legend Victoria Wood has died of Cancer aged 62. A very funny lady, great stand up. Did a very funny comedy series called Acorn Antiques with Julie Walters and Celia Imrie  R.I.P Victoria

Saw her live at BBC White City once. She needed about six takes to get her gig right and her ad-libs to the studio audience and technicians between takes were hilarious - but far too foul for broadcast.

RIP Prince....

This thread has had far too much action this year to date. 

He was far and away the strongest musician of his generation

Will be looked at as we look at Mozart, Ellington, Davis today. Did more in 6 weeks than 6000  of our pop stars would do in 6 lifetimes. 

Sometimes it snows in April :(

Another musician. Was only here a few weeks ago wasn't he?

His solo in "while my guitar gently weeps" at the Rock nRoll hall of fame is absolutely brilliant. I for one are going to miss his talent.

we all will wether we recognise it or not

RIP to all those that lost their lives in the various wars. Some forced by conscription and led by generals stationed many miles away from the war front. A terriblewaste of human life. I appreciatebeing able to live in a country that allows me free speach and voting rights.to those whom gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow me these luxuries, I say a sincere thank you. 

There were losses on all sides and the "enemy" on any other given day, may well have been a friend. Perhaps the solution to these wars is to put all the leaders into a ring and let them duke it out to save their egos. It just rips me. 

I went to the Dawn Parade up here at Tologa Bay, there had to be between 100 - 200 people there. Very moving and very respectful. They will not be forgotten, ever!

Papa Wemba. Left us on Sunday.

Mountains of material but this is my daughter's favourite.

Stefan Petrovski. 18 year old Australian born goalkeeper was struck by lightning on April 5 and various medical ises since then caused his death. Rip Young man.

another footballer dying on the pitch.. absolute tragedy Cameroon international dies on the pitch

Bernardo Ribeiro      RIP

Former Jets player aged 26 died while playing a game in Brazil.

Tony Cozier    RIP

The voice of West Indian cricket for 50 years.

Ian Watkin - NZ actor that appeared in gems like "Brain Dead", "Sleeping Dogs", and even Crunchie commercials.

even with Blerta.

Alan Young whom played Wilbur in Mr Ed. Classic comedy.