Thatcher responsible for decline in English football

DoctorW


Joined: 28/11/2010
Posts: 334

Message Posted:
09/07/2011 19:36

According to 'Big Sam' Allardyce.



http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/West-Hams-Allardyce-blames-Thatcher-for-UK-soccers-decline/articleshow/9165052.cms

denizen



Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
09/07/2011 20:00

why not blame Maggie, Big Sam has blamed everybody else for HIS failures over the years.

Those that really want to, will.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
09/07/2011 20:03

What a load of Tosh. Big Sam has a small brain!

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
09/07/2011 20:12

thats why he's west ham manager .

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
09/07/2011 20:14

Spot on rowlo

DoctorW


Joined: 28/11/2010
Posts: 334

Message Posted:
09/07/2011 20:15

At first I thought what a load of old rubbish, but after reading the article. I do think he has something about where the decline started.







However what he doesn't consider is the sucessive governments of all political persuasions have done little to turn the tide and may have even made matters worse.







The PC brigade who think competition is bad for kids or the risk assesment brigade who are concerned that children may get hurt, and the local authorities all too willing to sell off the playing fields that were once compulsory around our schools.





Add to that the big money coming into clubs like Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City and more, that makes it much easier to buy talented players from abroad than develop your own.





I think the answer is much deeper than Big Sam believes.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
09/07/2011 22:36

It seems to me that the decline in football is going at about the same rate as the decline in all other sports where money and greed is involved, indeed, politics too, and just about every other aspect of life that used to involve integrity, honesty and decency. It is no longer the taking part which counts, only the winning by any means, foul or fair, then trouser the money.

Riddles


Joined: 26/04/2011
Posts: 429

Message Posted:
10/07/2011 00:44

The decline in UK football is mostly because UK football-followers know little about football....

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
10/07/2011 01:59

The decline in British footballl is mostly because they are poor footballers.



People believe the media hype and every young player is the next big sensation ask youselves one thing when was the last time you got really excited and I mean really excited about a British footballer !

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/07/2011 06:39

I take completely the opposite view regarding foreign players... I say that as a result of each UK clubs' ability to bring in foreigners, English/British players have more talented competition for first team honours and that makes them up their game. i.e. you get your place on merit judged against some of the best and not just in comparison with lead-legged home-grown 'talent'.

Riddles


Joined: 26/04/2011
Posts: 429

Message Posted:
10/07/2011 21:58

If you're interested in this topic read -'Why England Lose and Other Curious Football Phenomena Explained' (Kuper & Szymanski) -it's fantastic (and will stop you worrying about England ever winning the World Cup again).