“Why can’t a team lift a trophy without I Gotta Feeling being blasted over the PA?”
WHAT PRICE PROGRESS?
After reading Dan Loveless’ letter [FFT 262] about the use of technology during games, I thought I would offer an alternative view. I actually love the game as it is. I don’t want every decision scrutinised and sanitised by a fifth official. Goal-line technology at the top level is as far as it should go.
I love the debate that starts at the final whistle. “That was never a penalty”. “He was miles offside”. “Did you see [enter villain here] dive for that free-kick?” “The referee had a nightmare”. You would lose all of these conversations that are had on car journeys home from the ground, and in pubs, building sites, factories, offices and playgrounds around the world.
My son and I follow the same team and we always have a good chat about the result. And if we’ve lost or had a lucky decision go our way, then Monday morning at work is always full of light-hearted banter for me to face from my colleagues.
Do we really want to lose all of this? I don’t. Jamie Anderson, Scarborough
VIVA THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
In April 2015 [FFT 250], I wrote in to suggest that exporting our next generation of English stars would be the solution to stagnating player development. However, after reading your latest issue [FFT 263], I have realised the answer has been right in front of us the whole time – the Football League!
With Dele Alli and Jamie Vardy making headlines domestically and beyond, let’s not forget that these hidden gems honed their skills in England’s lower footballing echelons.
Alli’s pulsating breakthrough campaign helped MK Dons to win promotion from League One in 2014-15, and he is now repeating that consistency for Spurs in one of the world’s biggest leagues.
The message for Premier League clubs is clear: whether you’re loaning out your prospects or trying to find the next Jamie Vardy, look no further than our vastly talented Football League. Charlie Holmes, Reading