[Ads-l] Phrase: March madness (Transfer period for football clubs in England)

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

Congratulations to Barry Popik for finding March Madness in the domain
of basketball tournaments in 1930.

Interestingly, March madness was applied to a different sport in the
UK in 1928. A newspaper columnist in Liverpool, England used the
phrase "March madness" to describe the transfer period in football
(soccer). Here are two citations.

Date: March 24, 1928
Newspaper: Evening Express
Newspaper Location: Liverpool, Merseyside, England
Article: Whirligig of Football
Author: W. Leslie Unsworth
Quote Page 3, Column 2
Database: Newspapers.com

https://www.newspapers.com/image/961956437/?match=1&terms=%22March%20madness%22%20football

[Begin excerpt]
So, following the turmoil, most teams are trying to settle to a new
order of things--all except the Town. They go on their way without a
worry. Other clubs have not bought, but they will be worrying for
weeks. Clubs that have bought will be worrying when things do not go
quite as they expected. One thing is certain, little good ever came
out of football March madness.
[End excerpt]


Date: September 22, 1928
Newspaper: Evening Express
Newspaper Location: Liverpool, Merseyside, England
Article: Whirligig of Football: Transfer Craze Starts--Home Truths
About Club Managers
Author: W. Leslie Unsworth
Quote Page 3, Column 7
Database: Newspapers.com

https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-express-marchmadness/192080289/

[Begin excerpt]
If such a sum is going to be paid when the game is not a month old
this season, what height will transfer fees reach next March, when the
clubs are stricken with March madness? I tremble to think of the
fortunes that will be thrown away.
[End excerpt]

Garson

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