November 2, 2008
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Funny Old Game
Football, it has been
noted, is a funny old game. A man can go through a divorce, lose half his
wealth and assets, and he would perhaps hardly bat an eyelid. He may be angry,
but it would not be the end of his world. But if his team is relegated, or
loses a cup final, it is a game that can reduce him to tears, drink or – in
many cases – both and more besides.He can win a million
pounds in the lotto, but the happiness he feels is nothing compared with the
full elation he experiences when the captain of his team lifts the cup or wins
a play off final at Wembley. It is a game that can get grown men to hug other
grown men they have never seen, simply because they happen to be sitting (or
standing) next to each other in the stadium. What is it about this sport that
can do all this and more, even sending two nations famously to war?Much has been written
in recent times in the press about the money machine of the Premiership, and
how it has lost track of what football is all about. The fact that many clubs
in lower divisions have become Trust run, or fans have started their own clubs
to get back to those roots should be a lesson to everyone in the game that it
is not just about making money.Rio Ferdinand last
week told the British press that being in the England team before the Capello
era was rather akin to being in a circus, with media spotlights and WAG’s being
around the whole time, high-profile events seemingly over-shadowing the
importance of the results on the field. And finally now, England seems to have
woken up to what it’s millions of fans want – success in a major competition.With the Coca-Cola
Championship becoming more and more money oriented, it is no wonder to me that
Exeter City’s home attendance is way up on recent seasons. Where there are
seats available even for Manchester United home games, advertised on their
billboards during televised home games, there is more atmosphere and - equally
as important – more passion in grass roots football. Of course, the novelty
factor of Exeter being back in the league may well play some kind of role, but
to have over 5000 people turn up to St James Park against Grimsby is nothing
short – in my humble opinion – of spectacular.One of the reasons for
me starting to support Exeter, back in the days when I was a mere boy, was
because I rebelled against the pure commercialism of the Division One (which
gives you an idea of how long ago it was) teams. As a Hertfordshire boy, all my
classmates were supporting Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Man U. But those games
never really appealed to me as a 6 or 7 year old. There was something missing –
something that is fundamental to the game, and vital if it is going to survive.
Passion.I am sure that one of
the reasons behind City’s success on the pitch last season lies in the fact
that there is true camaraderie amongst the team members, and with the conflicts
of the past consigned to memory, the club can move on in to the future with
more optimism than at any time over the last 15 years. With a team gelling and
playing as one unit, they can show their passion more. Anyone earning a quarter
of a million per month does not have anything to prove. There is no motivation,
no passion. They have reached the pinnacle of their game, and can reap the
rewards.For teams like Exeter
though, it is the passion of the players, and the passion of the fans that will
ensure the continued success and progress of the team. And with Tis now having
signed up for 2 more years, the club has all the ingredients necessary to ensure
stability and growth! After all the dodgy wheelings and dealings of previous
eras, Exeter fans have every reason to celebrate passionately what is happening
at the club now. For those of us who are not able to get to SJP too often, it’s
a feeling too of relief that the days of funny business are well and truly in
the past.
