> hang on a rose coloured glass moment, was this the good old days when > thousands of young men went to football purely with the intention of a > ruck, quite happy to batter an innocent bystander just cos they might > belong to a different tribe?
Hold on a minute Richard. That's classic word twisting. "so much has improved beyond recognition under the Premier League's stewardship. Stadiums, pitches, coaching, training, fitness, preparation, the standard of play itself" - No-one suggests harking back to your scenario. This is much more about the relationship between fan and club, fan and the professional game. When I was 8, 9 & 10 (I think) my Dad worked on the LUFC Panto at The City Varieties. I went there every year and got to meet my (our!) heroes. Bremner, Hunter, Charlton, Clarke et al. I got to meet them, they signed autographs, my Dad and Billy drank whisky and smoked fags together and they all happily answeed my (no doubt inane) questions and told me footy stories! They did it, if I remember rightly, for charity and access all areas was fairly common, there was some local media on it of couse, but it was relatively low key (As I remember it). Yes, rose tinted 'that was then, this is now' accusations are easy to make, Yes society was/is different but can you imagine (Really, not just to disagree) Rooney, Terry, Cole etc al doing that without: A big fee each Huge TV rights and PR over their "Great Charidee work" 8ft gorillas keeping everyone at bay and shepherding them off in a blacked out Limo immediately after they've uttered their last line? I can't. The one thing the report completely overlooks is the moment for me, when it was destined to go tits up. 15th December 1995 (Little quiz for you there!?). I love (Like we all do) Leeds United, I guess "once your in your in". But (And I'm ready to get shot down by one and all here!) If I looked in the mirror and asked myself, do I relate to this club like I used to? Does every defeat hurt like it used to? (And believe you me, they always USED to hurt) I'd have to say no. Not because I don't still support LUFC, am Leeds through and through (I'm happy if Leeds Swimming Club win something!), but because I don't feel connected to the club (or more so the modern professional game) anymore. I like watching footy, I enjoy playing it and I'm happy to talk about it until the cows come home. But, and this is the point I think being made in the article, is the game at a professional level enjoyable in the fan-club relationship level anymore. I really don't think so. _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
