We have been having the conversation about hoofball since we all got together on this board. None of us is in favour (and why should we be, for the reasons stated), but it did help get us out of L2 and has kept us in L1. But let's face it, we're not going to progress any further with that type of play. I'll admit I've watched hardly any lower league football this season, but I'd wager a smallish sum that the teams at the top of the respective leagues are those that tend predominantly to play the ball on the ground. Sure, hoof out of defence from time to time can give a bit of respite, and is sometimes necessary, but should not be a tactical style of play. It's not as if the pitches aren't conducive to the game being at ground level these days. Mercifully long gone are the days when, by this time of the season and until April or beyond, even first division pitches looked more like medieval battlefields or winter beaches, or a combination of both. We've also discussed the potential benefit to the club of playing what is generally perceived to be attractive football. Yes, we all like to watch our team win, but win at any cost? And that's assuming hoofball works, which normally it doesn't. The ultimate responsibility lies with the Chairman. He's the one that appoints the manager, and surely some at some part of the interview process there is some discussion about the style of football, not just a 'if we appoint you will you win us games no matter what'. People would turn up (if allowed) to watch stylish football, even allowing for the limitations of the skill of players at this level. Yes, it does take skill to be able to control a ball that is passed to you at pace and pass it accurately; it's one of the things about football that looks so simple when it's done well, but is actually significantly more difficult than it might appear, especially in the limited time and space that is available in the professional game, but surely with appropriate coaching plans and tactics can be developed to make allowances for a certain level of technical shortcoming. Added to which if we were playing attractive football the Chairman might find more easily a buyer for the club. It's a win - win situation. All we need is the right man in the job, and I'll readily admit I don't have a clue as to who that might be.
Dear Santa, This year I have been a really good boy - and have always worn my mask. I only ask for one present - if you can arrange it .... can I please have a square football.... The round ones which we have keeps on being kicked up into the sky, and I can't score any goals - it's horrible .... and when I can again meet up with my friends, I am afraid that nobody will want to come to play with me. Thankyou Paul Scally.
Dear Santa, I've been a total arse all year, Kicking old ladies, pulling the wings of flies, Slapping anyone I think won't hit back. Please be sure to punish me, have my season ticket removed by the police, ban me from attending, Priestfield, remove all access to the ifollow platform. I know it is not your normal character to be so mean, and I will struggle to live with the consequences , but hey, I deserve it. Please.
I may have bought too many loo rolls... please log in to view this image Relax guys. After this year? There is no naughty list!