Some more stuff to keep us going during the international break. (I hope Terry does not mind but I felt it better to start a new thread for this than add to his. Also, I'm sorry but this is going to be rather a long article!)
Since you have each been a footie follower, what, of all the changes which have occurred in the game, do you think have been the best and which the worst? I'm going to list those changes I can think of but you can doubtless come up with more.
1. Rule changes galore, some good some not so good and far too many to list.
2.Structural changes, eg scrapping the old Division Three North and South and replacing with Divisions Three and Four.
3. The formation of the Premier League and all the ramifications flowing from it - eg, TV money, sponsorship, Sky and others effectively running the game, influx of foreign players, the horrible corrosive increase in transfer fees and player wages, the increased media coverage of the game, changes in ownership structure (billionaires etc), the building of new and much improved stadia, the all-seater stadia, Academies (but loss of Reserve teams); the increasingly precarious position of football managers and finally, technology, eg VAR and goal-line cameras linked to the Ref's wrist.
4. Changes to the way the game is played - eg,
a, the health, medical welfare of players, their fitness and diet.
b. The resultant increase in the skill-levels and speed of players.
c. The radical change in goalkeeping (no longer do goalies dominate their areas on crosses or corners; they are shot-stoppers and often sweepers.
d. The virtual disappearance of traditional centre-forward(s) and wingers (viva Festy!)
e. Introduction of new formations from 4-2-4; 4-3-3 to wing backs and lord knows what.
f. Substitutes.
g. The introduction of womens' football.
My personal favourite rule change, I think, has to be the introduction of three points for a win instead of two. The worst changes - the introduction of parachute payments and FFP (which, for me, is totally unworkable.)
BUT I do think that overall, the game is far better on all levels than it was in, say the 50s. One of the improved social aspects is the virtual eradication of hooliganism (so far) and the fact that as a consequence more women and children go to games.
Lastly (you'll be glad to know!) a worry that I have. Please, FIFA, do not try to introduce stupid changes which were once mooted such as enlarging the goal frame to get higher-scoring games. God forbid that footie should get like basket-ball!
Over to you.
Half term part 2
posted on 10/11/21
Morning all and Morning Chicago.
1. I hate VAR because it slows down the game and takes out the spontaneity of it. Equally I hate bad refereeing decisions...ie those that everyone in the ground can see except the Ref / Linesman.
2. Time wasting - aka 'game management'
3. Players trying to get opposition players sent off.
4. Parachute payments. They make it virtually impossible to get out of the Championship...hence the shoot we're currently in.
5. The EFL.....just an awful set up made up of failed football personnel.
....and yes I know this is 'off thread' but Mel Morris. I'm still so angry and disappointed how he just dropped the club and left us in the shoot. I always had a lot of time for the bloke. Yes, he had a cavalier attitude towards getting promotion - but I still think that at the time his heart was in the right place. Yes, I know the lockdown and lack of income was the final straw but I just feel let down by him....and I dont think I'll ever forgive the bloke.
Anyway I'll pen some more if anything else comes to mind UTR
posted on 10/11/21
One thing that has never changed is that the game is run by self serving idiots.
There never seems to be any logic behind many of their rules. For example the punishment for simulation. Let us say it is the closing minutes of a big game and the scores are level. With the present rules if you dive for a penalty the worst that can happen to you is a yellow card, assuming you hadn't been booked earlier. The worst thing that can happen to the defending side is that they concede a penalty and possibly even have a player sent off. Therefore where is the deterrent against the attacker,. Any attacking player must realise it is a risk worth taking.
Another injustice is the slap on the wrist for promoted clubs who broke FFP rules and then are relegated. Take Bournemouth for example. They cheated their way to promotion, received around £500 million in TV money etc over the time they were in the Premier League and then are fined £5 million when they are relegated. Is that ever going to dissuade any cub from gambling money they don't have to achieve promotion?
posted on 10/11/21
Stop talking sense Spart.
posted on 10/11/21
Morning all.
I think I'm just about awake enough now to write in.
What I've found so interesting about this topic of change is that, when you really sit down and think about it, there have been so many changes it's difficult to remember them all. So it's been great to read all your contributions. As some have said - "I'll come back if I think of more" and I'm sure you will.
I agree that the back-pass rule has been excellent at cutting down on time-wasting but, as some have said, there's still too much time-wasting elsewhere. I used to watch a bit of rugby back in the day, Vidal, and really admired the way discipline on the field was accepted without question and the method of the calling of time from the side rather than by the ref. An independent time-keeper would be an improvement in so many ways.
posted on 10/11/21
comment by Chicagoram (U22653)
posted 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
An independent time-keeper would be an improvement in so many ways.
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Timekeeping provided by "Watches of Ferguson"
posted on 10/11/21
comment by Scouse (U9675)
posted 1 hour, 17 minutes ago
comment by Chicagoram (U22653)
posted 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
An independent time-keeper would be an improvement in so many ways.
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Timekeeping provided by "Watches of Ferguson"
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posted on 10/11/21
Just hearing a further NINE points deduction incoming.
😥😥😥
posted on 10/11/21
comment by Scouse (U9675)
posted 1 minute ago
Just hearing a further NINE points deduction incoming.
😥😥😥
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https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1458488069968089097?t=XDtByeswDYfHYQLy8PB9Tg&s=08
posted on 10/11/21
Best things for me have been:
Goal nets.
Numbers on shirts.
And the introduction of substitutes.
Worst are:
Passing backwards and sideways a la Cocu.
Far too much money for average players.
posted on 10/11/21
Oh I forgot:
More worst things:
The high price and rubbish quality of the food and drink at the ground.