Wild Willy
Vital Reserves Team
I used to go to the Lane as a kid, and watch really good entertaining football. No tickets, just a few bob and you were in. Great atmosphere without political correctness dictating what we could and couldn't sing. Any trophy was worth winning, and the pride of being a Spurs fan was terrific. A days pleasure with transport and food included, for what I earned as a paper boy. Of course, times change and things always move on.
SKY and the invention of the Premier came in and created the armchair supporter. All of a sudden the person who had never visited the stadium, or experienced a match day became a priority on the condition they paid their monthly installment to Mr Murdoch. Men with an IQ of little more than a squirrel found themselves earning more in a week than the prime minister does in a year. Games being played nearly every day of the week, with kick off times that don't suit either away or home supporters, and as a result a distinct lack of atmosphere. Some supporters dismissing great traditions such as the FA and League cups, believing the only trophies worth winning are the CL and Prem, because ultimately the shareholders can become even richer. Clubs with little history such as Chelsea and Man Citeh becoming world icons based on foreign owners finance. To be honest, many supporters now consider the bragging factor of winning more important than the entertainment value, which I find very sad.
Needless to say the current trends will only get worse, but with a little bit of luck football may implode, and clubs along with the necessary footballing bodies may have to re-think the strategy, but to be honest I am not holding my breath.
SKY and the invention of the Premier came in and created the armchair supporter. All of a sudden the person who had never visited the stadium, or experienced a match day became a priority on the condition they paid their monthly installment to Mr Murdoch. Men with an IQ of little more than a squirrel found themselves earning more in a week than the prime minister does in a year. Games being played nearly every day of the week, with kick off times that don't suit either away or home supporters, and as a result a distinct lack of atmosphere. Some supporters dismissing great traditions such as the FA and League cups, believing the only trophies worth winning are the CL and Prem, because ultimately the shareholders can become even richer. Clubs with little history such as Chelsea and Man Citeh becoming world icons based on foreign owners finance. To be honest, many supporters now consider the bragging factor of winning more important than the entertainment value, which I find very sad.
Needless to say the current trends will only get worse, but with a little bit of luck football may implode, and clubs along with the necessary footballing bodies may have to re-think the strategy, but to be honest I am not holding my breath.
