Do you yearn for football to return to the days when: There were no 'squad numbers'? When the starting XI wore numbers 1 to 11 on their shirts (no names)? When there was ONE substitute on the bench? (older viewers will remember when there were NO subs!) When away teams played in their change kit (that's CHANGE, not Away kit) ONLY if their regular kit clashed with that of the home team? OR Do you prefer the modern game, where: You can personalize your replica kit with the squad number and name of your favourite player. You have (even Pompey - sometimes ) SEVEN on the bench, so a defender can replace a defender, striker for striker etc. You can also buy a replica away kit, knowing it will be seen on the pitch whenever you go to an away game.
I wasn't around in those times, so I'm going to have to go for the modern game. I'm sure the quality of the football has improved though!
Only because of the rule changes, the players are no better. You try and wade through thick mud with chopper Harris or half the Leeds side trying to kick you into row Z. Try and bend it like Beckham with a ball so heavy it gave you a headache every time you headed it. I've been watching football 40 years, and the 70's were a special time. Rodney Marsh, Frank Worthington, Stan Bowles, Alan Hudson, Frank Worthington and then the master of them all. [video=youtube;qs6WTt7atic]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs6WTt7atic&feature=related[/video]
We always look on our past with rose tinted specs but I have to say that, in a lot of ways, I miss the old days - including standing on the terraces. Besides which I was younger and had hair then! Squad Numbers - I prefer the idea of the number on the shirt being based on position rather than some meaningless number picked at random. Names on shirt - well, without squad numbers that gets a little difficult so I suppose no. One sub - although it was the same for both sides it did mean that if a team's goakeeper was injured, for example, it put them at a huge disadvantage. That said, I think 7 is ridiculous - 3 is more than enough. I would also stop tactical substitutions, especially inside the last few minutes as a time-wasting exercise. Change kit - totally agree with this one. Pompey play in blue shirts, white shorts and red socks. These should only change when playing away if there is a clash with the the home side, and then only the item of kit that clashes, not the whole strip. So overall I'm in the 'bah humbug' group.
Well, I was a kid in the 70's but when I think back, my memory is of muddy goal-lines, crunching tackles and some of the worst haircuts ever... Including mine! There was also the racism and the violence. These things make the shirt issue seem rather unimportant really. Look back, but don't stare. I prefer it as is today.
I think as CF says there were some cons, to the old days, but I reckon they are far outweighed by the pros. Terraces v seats, no contest. One looked forward to away games, in a variety of quirky, unique stadia. It was cheap! Cheesey peas at half time. Marvellous!
I wondered who would be first? Well done St G! Ex army myself, so I don't know much about the habits of the senior service. We had wine, women and song, the RN version was rum, bum and concertina.
Back in the 40's please. Ninepence to go into the Milton End, 40,000 watching Pompey win the championship two years running. All British players - which helped the national team develop. Clubs in profit year in year out. Players playing for pride as they only got £5.00 a week (£3.10s.0d during the summer). Now it is a major business project. More comfortable. Many great overseas players on view. Most clubs running at a loss and the whole of the financial situation in the hands of Rupert Murdoch. If he pulled the TV plug the whole system would collapse. Great benefit today is the advance in training, organisation and support of local football.
So the media, the politicians, high ranking police officers, big corporations and football are all in the same bed with Rupert Murdoch. As my mum used to say, "I dont know"
