sports
Michael Rand started RandBall with hopes that he could keep lies from conquering the minds of the weak. So far, he's only succeeded in using the word "redacted" a lot. He welcomes suggestions, news tips, links of pure genius, and pictures of pets in Halloween costumes here, though he already knows he will regret that last part.
Follow Randball on Twitter
Stu's Hunt Down: Former Minnesota Kicks star Alan Willey
Posted by: Michael Rand under Soccer Updated: January 5, 2012 - 11:49 AM
----------
The Hunt Down
Name: Alan Willey
Nickname: The Artful Dodger
Claim to Fame, Minnesota: as the Bernardo Brito and Mike Fetters Hunt Downs may have indicated, the Hunt Down is running low on past local athletes to feature. We have done over 100 of these pieces, so it stands to reason that the cupboards are emptying. Fortunately, we’ve received multiple requests for more soccer coverage, which brings us to former Minnesota Kicks star Alan Willey (pictured, right). The Englishman was a striker for the state’s first professional soccer team (local soccer guru Brian Quarstad has posted some tremendous photos of Willey and the 1978 squad). The high point of his career was likely the five goals he scored in a playoff game against the New York Cosmos. The Strib story on that game is also worth reading.
Claim to Fame, Everywhere Else: started his career with Middlesborough FC in Great Britain, and also played for the Montreal Manic (what?) and the Minnesota Strikers indoor soccer team. Was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2003.
Where He Is Now: per this interview on the “US Soccer Players” website, he still lives in Bloomington, and a Bloomington-based company lists an Alan Willey as their IT Director, so it’s fair to say he remains ONE OF US.
Is He on Twitter: not verified, but I give it a “probably.”
Glorious Randomness: would you like to watch the first seven minutes of the 1978 Tulsa/Minnesota playoff game? I recommend it, if only for Bob Carpenter’s outstanding blazer/tie/haircut combo.
ADVERTISEMENT
recent posts
- Weekend Links with Jon Marthaler: In-season cup competition in college baskeball? Brilliant!
- RandBall: Catching up with Squints, Ham and the director of 'The Sandlot'
- Video: Inside-the-park home run with a flip over the catcher? Sure
- Saban disappointed that ex-Gophers coach called him 'the devil himself'
- RandBall: We're learning what Pitino wants from his Gophers
- RandBall: Former Gophers coach calls Nick Saban "the devil himself"
- Stu's Hunt Down: Former Twins player Jeff Cirillo
- RandBall: Will Favre and the Packers settle their differences?
- TFD: Vikings VP Lester Bagley: Vikings 'very interested' in MLS, but it is 'on the backburner'
- Major League Soccer official: "No question" Vikings stadium is suitable for MLS
- RandBall: Retroactively, U officially didn't lose money on beer sales
- Wednesday (The Derrick Rose situation) edition: Wha' Happened?
- TFD: Michigan State recruit gives up football for rap career
- Toronto is very sad today
- Tuesday (Twins not squandering money on DL) edition: Wha' Happened?
- TFD: Video of the must-see soccer finish between Watford F.C. and Leicester City
- This story about tanking in junior hockey is absolutely priceless
- Mid-day talker: So what is the Vikings stadium going to look like?
- Monday (The Twins after 34 games) edition: Wha' Happened?
Post By Category
- RandBall: We're learning what Pitino wants from his Gophers
- Saban disappointed that ex-Gophers coach called him 'the devil himself'
- Reusse blog: Richard Robert Reusse: Oct. 15, 1905-May 19, 1973
- Incredible ice jams attack Mille Lacs shoreline + video
- United's next US Open Cup match to be played at U's soccer stadium
- VikesCentric: Best and worst of the first round
- Video: Inside-the-park home run with a flip over the catcher? Sure
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters