Europa League match in Israel:
Southampton Director of Football Les Reed tells Danny Caro what he’s looking forward to mostahead of his first trip to Israel since the Maccabiah Games
FOOTBALL TUCKED safely deep inside Les Reed’s top bedside table drawer lies something that holds incredible memories and will always hold a special place in his heart. It is just over seven years since Reed visited Israel where, under his guidance as head coach, Team GB came agonisinglyclosetowinningthegoldmedal in the Open Football competition. Now he is preparing to return with Southampton in the Europa League. By his own admission, Israel left an indelible mark on Reed. “The 18th Maccabiah Games were one of the highlights of my career as a coach,” he said. “It was a new and wonderful experience for me. I enjoyed bonding with the entire GB delegation, not only the football squad. “It was a great experience for someone from my background that not everyone is fortunate enough to have. I enjoyed the whole event immensely.” Working closely with manager Jonathan Kestenbaum and Ben Winston, who have since gone on to become a Lord and Emmy winner respectively, GB were beaten by Argentina on penalties in an epic final. It is a match that Reed, 63, has never forgotten. “Obviously losing the way we did was cruel but it was a great opportunity to try things out in a competitive environment. “It was an amazing spectacle from start to finish,” he recalled. “Anyone that hasn’t attended the Maccabiah will not realise the importance of the event to the Jewish community around the world. “The games’ opening ceremony was fantastic to be part of. I have got video clips and get flashbacks every
CYCLING Olympic mountain biker Shlomi Haimi clocked 1:34:02 in the UCI Cross Country World Cup event in Vallnord, Andorra, 7:54 behind the winner. Mihkel Raim, of Israel’s Academy Team won the prestigious Geraadsbergen Kermesse in Belgium, against several World Tour riders.
FOOTBALL Israel striker Tomer Hemed fired his third goal of the season with an 88th-minute penalty earning Brighton a vital 1-0 victory over Burton Albion to let the Seagulls keep pace in the Championship promotion race.
FOOTBALL Danny Daggers and Hadley Silver fired doubles as Maccabi London Lions crushed Abbey FC 11-3 in their opening match of the Garston Vets League season. time I have watched the Olympics since.
“It was an incredible learning experience to be part of and to see Jewish athletes have the opportunity to go back to the Holy Land and remember their heritage.”
Reedrecallshowhewasimmersedby culture during a Friday-night dinner at the Kestenbaum household. “Jonathan wanted me to understand the history, culture and heritage of what the Maccabiah was all about. It was eye-opening to learn about the importance of food and drink during the Sabbath and the wider common bond a Jewish family has.
“I guess it’s quite often misunderstood as like all cultures there are different layers. The Jewish religion has different levels which is what makes it really thrive.”
Reed has been working at Southampton since the Maccabiah. He is expecting a sterner test against Hapoel Beer Sheva following his team’s 3-0 victory over Sparta Prague in the Europa League. “Hapoel have a new young coach and have stepped up in Israel football so we know it will be tough,” he said. “We’ve also asked Celtic to pass on some information following their recent matches in the Champions League.”
Hapoel’s 2-0 win over Inter Milan at the San Siro can only have impressed the Southampton executive director of football. “I don’t have an in-depth knowledge of Israel football but have always respected it because the players they have produced have always been very meticulous and professional,” he said.
“Hapoel have a new stadium, Champions League facilities and we know it will be like a cauldron over there. It will be a big new challenge for our players and we certainly won’t disrespect them or be complacent. They’re a Champions League team who are unfortunate not to still be in the competition. We will show them as much respect as we would Inter Milan.”
Reed recalled “receiving a text from Lord Kestenbaum before I’d even got out of the auditorium”. He said: “I promised myself to go back to Israel. It’s an ambition of mine so I was really pleased when we drew Hapoel.”
Regretfully a busy schedule means Reed will be unable to tour the country. “My first trip to Israel exceeded my own expectations. It was quite inspiring to be exposed to it as a non-Jew.
“I’ve been to three World Cups and European Championship finals. You tend to get wrapped up in the football. All I’ve seen is airports and the stadiums but the Maccabiah gave me
Maccabiah one of the highlights of my career’