I'm not sure Bill Shankly thought we always played with style (the ale-house brawlers!) and that team of Ted Bates that played Channon up front on his own was as ugly as many we've had. Lawrie changed things and we got relegated! I think most fans would settle for results over style, if they are honest. I don't remember feeling good about losing 3-2 to Forest at Wembley in 79, despite the fact that we played some great stuff that day. But of course winning in style is the best. Going to work on the Monday after we'd thrashed Spurs 4-0 on telly (3rd round 2003 if you need reminding) was brilliant not just for the result but the fact we'd shown the country how well we could play and people wanted to talk to me about just how good we were. Last season was brilliant, especially the run-in as we showed real steel as well as cultured football, and the unfortunate Mr Poyet needs an optician's appointment if he couldn't see the quality that Nigel Adkins has bought to the club. This season we are getting the plaudits we deserve. Maybe he thinks it's time to get on the bandwagon.
oh don't get me wrong. I would much prefer to see good football (forward direction not sideways passing like Barca) than hoofball. All I am trying to say is that the actual football played is only a part of the theatre of the day. I might dare to say that with the atmosphere, the mood, the tribal nature and the rose tinted glasses the supporters are often not really that good and summing up how their team play. Of course it works both ways where other supporters are often wearing their own tribal glasses and cannot see the wood through the trees etc. All I am saying is I doubt Brighton fans care whether their team is labelled hoofball or flowing football. They are enjoying the ride and that is because of the overall thing. Just as when lincoln returned to the league at the first time of asking (nearly twenty years ago) The colin Murphy led 'butchers' that bludgeoned and hoofed their way back into the league elite were cheered on by 10,000 at Sincil bank. Yes 10k at conference level. And then in 1998 (the same year the Imps played Saints in the cup) under John Beck, they finished 3rd in the 2nd division the last game was in front of 12,000* at Sincil Bank. A figure that would scare Portsmouth should they drop even to L1. I got to see my beloved Saints 3 times that year (normally only once a year) * The official attendance was something like 9000 however that was bull. Not a seat empty and people had to sit on the steps all the way round the stadium We used to chuckle at some of the 'official attendences' Interesting fact though. That very game mentioned above. Look at who we played (and beat 2-1) in what is now L2: http://www.statto.com/football/teams/lincoln-city/1997-1998/results And look where they finished. eek: http://www.statto.com/football/teams/lincoln-city/1997-1998/table Both of the above were total hoofball, not a watered down Allardyce version. Beck left the grass in the corners longer intentionally to hoof the ball diagonally for the wingers to collect. (the defenders were ordered to clear and not try and play the ball. However both seasons the actual 'bigger picture' of the whole day out with it's tribal aspect and the gradual accumulation of mood as the 3pm mark approached and then the continued mood whether the result was good or bad ionto the night and beyond was great. something to savour. So thats what I mean. however Poyet is a pen** Graham Taylor, Colin Murphy and John Beck didn't try and deny their style was hoofball, nor try and suggest someone else's was.
