...because tonight, for no particular reason, I am watching the DVD of the 1976 FA Cup final. This is the first time I have watched anything other than Bobby Stokes greatest moment since being glued to my TV as a 13 year old. It has been quite a shock watching old-time football as it used to be in the 70's. I would thoroughly recommend getting a copy and not just because of the result. It has made me realise how much football has changed. On the positive side there is little doubt that that there is more skill on the ball and athleticism on show today, but there are some other changes which are not so welcome. Leaving aside the mystery of what happened to Steve Coppell's hair, it's almost a different game. One substitute, just one each side! Even Pompey could manage a full bench! All the discussion about Nigel not having a sub Keeper on the bench! On the subject of keepers, they were permitted to pick up the ball from a back-pass yet there seem to be fewer back-passes than we get today. Stuart Pearson went down with an injury and popped straight back on his feet, even though he was obviously in some discomfort. He genuinely seemed to run off the injury, rather than miraculously recovering and sprinting like a gazelle moments after apparently being in agony. The throw-ins were taken from roughly where the ball crossed the line, and by the first player to gather the ball, almost immediately. Today's football is practically a non-contact sport by comparison to 1976, but I saw no player entreating the ref to book another. Yes, football has moved on, and in many ways it is better now. But have we lost more than we have gained?
God, things just seemed easier back in those days. A person could trip over break something without suing anyone. I long for a time with less paperwork............& pass backs! (good thread)
Love watching all the classic matches. Espn classics is a good channel for them if anyone's interested. Its a shame footballs lost some of its old traits/ honesty but it's not coming back anytime soon
Like all things......sometimes they want to change things for the sake of it. The other thing perhaps that is still here today from those days is the passion. As far as the rolling around in agony and the intimidation for refs to give out the cards, that came in with the larger intake of Continental and over seas players sadly. You have still got the odd British player that just genuinely wants to get on with it. You know the type.....that picks up their leg and runs on with tucked under their arm, or put their arms around their head just to hold it on. Or that puts the ball down on the actual spot where the free kick was given.......not many now-a-days but they are still out there!!
I watched it with my son about a month ago. Did you spot Ian Turner wearing NO gloves at Wembley in an FA Cup final?
