Hello good football people, trust you’re all doing as well as can be as we continue through these bizarre times.
As in my response to Chad’s mail below, things are looking much more positive in the UK regarding the return to some kind of “normality”.
Bimbo Boris Johnson has certainly achieved credibility in the scale and speed of the vaccination rollout, as government tries to cover-up the pathetic initial response to the virus which caused many thousands to die unnecessarily.
However, it still seems implausible to imagine 50 or 60 000 fans packed in trains and stadiums on matchdays. When will that become a reality again?
Empty stadiums have definitely changed the face of the game. While players are now used to the environment, there’s a massive edge missing… The passion that rolls from the stands onto the pitch and into the players needs to return, a home crowd willing their team on in the last 10 minutes to get an equaliser, the raised temperature fans bring to a derby.
Last week it was reported that the authorities will be allowing 8 000 fans into Wembley for the League Cup final, split between Manchester City, Tottenham and the NHS (National Health Service)!
Not sure that’ll create much of a matchday atmosphere, especially in a 90 000-seater stadium, but, as with the games a few months ago where 2 000 fans were allowed in, it will certainly make a difference.
Like many of us here in South Africa, I’ve been so pissed off with the apparent slow movement of government in procuring and distributing vaccines.
FFS, we’re supposed to be leaders on the continent! Yes, it’s a global fight for vaccines, but we were late off the mark and it means a later return to an ease of restrictions. I can’t remember the last live sporting event I attended?
Recently, because of the other special f**k up (Eskom) I’ve popped down to the Rascals bar in Kenilworth a couple of times to watch Chelsea during loadshedding.
Yeah, couple of other football fans there which enhanced the moment slightly, but man, it made me realise what a lonely old b*****d I am without live sport.
You know, those of us who watch football or rugby or whatever and spend Saturdays on the sidelines of pitches. Many of us have turned semi-hermit. Being a sports fan is a lifestyle and I think we should demand government assistance.
VIVA free anti-depressants and Castle Lights VIVA!
Anyway… back on the football front and another super boring international break.
I mean, who wants to watch England play a team made up of builders, teachers and bakers (read San Marino)? Yes it’s a World Cup qualifier, but surely something needs to change?
Firstly, it does the England team little good as far as match-time goes, because San Marino can’t compete at that level.
While Gareth Southgate will say that winning games nurtures confidence and belief, I think an easy fixture like that breeds false confidence. And for San Marino? If you’ve ever been on the back of a hiding like that – even in Sunday league, how does it make you feel?
Ok, enough of the negative stuff and looking forward to this weekend coming!
Two tasty Premier League fixtures on Saturday night as Leicester host Manchester City, followed by a trip for Liverpool to the Emirates.
It’s all about the top four and all the chasers will be hoping for a City and Arsenal double!
Of course Liverpool, City and Chelsea will be thinking about Champions League quarterfinal first-leg action a few days later, but hey, “squeaky bum time” can be fun (if you win)!
Mad tip for the week? Brighton to nick a point at Old Trafford. Stay safe good people, do the right thing, chat next Tuesday…