I sat down to write an article whinging about the number of midweek games we will have to play this season and after a couple of beers and a few re-writes I came to the conclusion that the FA must be a racist organisation.
Bear with me. I’ll get there eventually.
While maths was never my strong point I figured out fairly quickly that you can’t play 46 league games in 40 weekends, so we are going to have to tolerate a few more cold evenings on the terraces than last season. It’s basic arithmetic. More teams in the league means more games.
Hopefully under Rafa’s stewardship we now have the strength in depth to cope with a few more midweek games without running out of options.
But then you have to consider all of those extra cup games that we expect to be playing in this year. And it’s not just that – what about the ones we won’t play in? Sorry – but it’s just habit!
We will no doubt write off a couple or 3 weekends just because other teams are playing. It’s too much to expect that someone at the FA could figure out “well this team are out the cup, and so are they – maybe instead of just sitting on their backsides they could actually play their league match?”
Nope, that would come frighteningly close to resembling “organisation”, and that’s just pushing the boundaries too far.
Last season some of the better Championship teams played 15 midweek games, so we should expect to be doing the same. As if our injury record isn’t bad enough, we could end up needing a new extension to the Michael Owen wing of the physio block.
There’s nothing like a midweek match in early January to remind you what being a football fan in the North East of England is all about.
This is all good stuff, but my favourite gripe about losing weekends (not to alcohol) has to be the international breaks. Apparently the “break” bit refers to the playing schedule, not what they do to our players. Owen, Krul and Elliot spring immediately to mind.
The entire league system grinds to a halt because we are playing a World Cup Qualifier against Slovakia and the FA is concerned that if they allow Preston North End to play against Burton Albion on the same weekend it might somehow negatively affect their revenue on the gate at the Stadion Antona Malatinskeho?
Of course, some might argue that losing players to the international game weakens teams so it’s only fair to cancel every game.
How can they justify cancelling an entire league program when not a single player from any Championship team was selected for Allardyce’s squad?
Cancelling a weekend game and playing it midweek in, say, any month, will have a detrimental effect on the income of the concerned teams, but that doesn’t seem to worry the FA too much. With our fanatical support we are probably one of the least affected teams as our season ticket fees counter such schedule anomalies, but surely other teams must suffer unnecessarily?
I propose that as an annex to the Financial Fair Play regulations the FA consider using these internationals as a handicapping system.
First of all, play internationals midweek (or Sundays) but do not clear the schedule for them.
Secondly, if teams like Man U, Spurs, City, Chelsea, The **** and Liverpool have squads bulging to breaking point with international players then they have obviously spent too much money and have an unfair advantage over the rest of us. As a result, when international games are on, those teams should be made to play without their superstars.
Ahhhhh yes – I can feel the satisfaction oozing out of my pores just at the very thought!
Seems like a **** good idea to me.
So how did I come to the conclusion that the FA is racist?
Well, I sent an email to the FA asking them to confirm that there will be an extended International break from the 14th January through to the 5th February due to the African Cup of Nations, which as you are all surely aware impacts significantly on the quality of team that we can field at that time.
Apparently while friendlies, Euro and World Cup Qualifiers all earn a break the African Cup of Nations does not warrant such special treatment.
Personally, I think that in this modern politically correct world, the FA is treading on very thin ice!
Next week – the offside rule and why it has to go!
So how many people do you reckon attend a premier league match each weekend?
Obviously not every club has the amazing levels of support that we have at SJP but we must be looking at an average of 35,000 per ground multiplied by 10 matches – 350,000 people whose entire Saturday revolves around their club match every week.
I’m not saying that I have a sad existence but I really do look forward to my football each weekend.
So I never really got my head around the necessity for international breaks, especially when a manager puts out a second string team playing 11 substitutes against Mongolia and the outer Hebrides! Why disrupt the weekend of many just for those relatively few who would travel to watch an International? It’s also taking revenue from the club. Something’s not quite right about clearing a sunny Saturday in September and rescheduling to a Wednesday night in December when we’d be happy to take the 35k people.
My suggestion would be that all internationals should be played midweek so that real football can continue uninterrupted throughout the year. The schedules are gruelling enough without throwing in worthless international equivalents of pre-season friendlies.
But what about poor Manchester United / City and the like who have an entire squad made up of international players? It would be unfair on them not to have a break. Call it a handicapping system. If you are going to buy your way to the titles by paying through the nose to have your team lined with international stars then you should be made to play without them when they are on international duty.
I have to say that these international breaks really do wind me up.
Maybe they should open up the grounds so fans can “socialise”. Invite Sunderland fans up for coffee and a chat!
ANDY i hate the breaks never really watch the England games with any intent,the plaers think more of their own ego than the game,imo its 1966 since the players played for the pride of the shirt an each other,we are going to miss quite a few players for the ANC more than any other team i think,its a pain in the backside and a worry over injurys
icedog(Quote)
TOM what a small world we live in,i remember that strike at pressed steel,it rained i think for a couple of weeks none stop and when the guys went back to work they were given wire brushs to get the rust out of the welds as they had hundreds of bodys out in the yard,i swore never to buy one of those models,i also lived in the same street in Swindon as you i had a three bedroom house and used to race greyhounds at the Swindon track,strange old world
icedog(Quote)
TOM sorry the name my street in Swindon was Priory rd
icedog(Quote)
Icedog,
I remember Priory Road. I worked with a lad who taught me to drive who I believe lived in your street. He came out of the Navy and was called Davy Peckett. A smashing local lad.
We had a flat, No. 155, Cranmore Ave. although we had to give it up after I got the ‘poke’.
Tom Page(Quote)
I like the idea of internationals on Wednesdays Rob mate. Good article by the way. The FA and the other football bodies would never agree to it. They want a full 10 or 11 days for the players with their international sides. As to why the Championship has to grind to a halt with no players actually participating in the national side? I have no idea. It doesn’t make any sense to me. Most teams don’t have more than one or two internationals from other countries. We quite a few but we were a Prem side as recently as last season.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Tom Page, I was also at Hiilsbrough the day Supermac scored 2 against Burnley. What an absolutely brilliant day out. I still get a tingle down my spine when I recall Supermac carrying the Burnley centre half on his back before smashing the ball into the back of the net. I was in that end behind the goal , so it was even better..
Munich Mag(Quote)
evening all,
ive just posted this on the wrong thread.
i havent visited your site since last season,
i am the one that apologised about our fans disrespecting you,the last time you went down.
on the football front,i think we will both get back up.
but the main reason im on tonight,is because me and my two daughters are coming up to your city on wednesday to see a hero of mine,Eric Burdon and the Animals.
we have even paid to meet and greet him.
so ,if any of you are doing the same,id love to have a drink with you in the bar,that night.
cheers.
a.villa fan(Quote)
Good read Rob, I agree, I do watch England, more out of habit than anything. If I’m honest there’s not really one England player I really rate highly. I also cannot see why championship games are off when internationals are on. It seems as though the seasons only just got going then it grinds to a halt 😡 We were just building up momentum as well, we better not of gone of the boil.
kimtoon(Quote)
kimtoon,
hi mate,
long time no chat,hope you are well.
international breaks really **** me off.a waste of space,and in the case of Big Sam,its a case of meet the new boss,the same as the old boss,who was meet the new boss,etc etc
a.villa fan(Quote)
https://youtu.be/CWzKXcsYju0
If you haven’t heard it already, get a listen to this story from Dean Saunders about Cloughie – Class ?
A.Villa Fan – you may appreciate this from one of your old boys too mate ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
VILLA I hope you really enjoy your trip to see Eric,there will be plenty toon fans there for sure,I won’t be there as Ime a country and western for my sins lol
Icedog(Quote)
sharpy17,
mate,
it was put up on the villa blog.
one of the best football story,s i have ever heard. 😀 😀
a.villa fan(Quote)
VILLA you should come on the blog more often,all are welcome and it would be good to hear your views on how your own team are doing
Icedog(Quote)
icedog,
mate,
i am really looking forward to see Eric.
always was a favorite of mine.a great singer.
the house of the rising sun,one of my all time favorite songs.
a.villa fan(Quote)
Nice to see you on again, are you used to being down yet? It’s quite nice to win a few games isn’t it. 🙂
Re your question, I’m not in Newcastle so It’s a no from me mate, sorry.
kimtoon(Quote)
Villa, Now that’s a song alright, classic
kimtoon(Quote)
icedog,
cheers mate,
i know many of your fans have never forgiven our fans for what happened in the past.
we call them happy clappers,because they put up with all our clubs bullsh.t these last few years.
the real villa fans know better.
a.villa fan(Quote)
kimtoon,
we have only won one game. 😆 😆 😆
a.villa fan(Quote)
Villa, Mate, every team has it’s fair share of plonkers follow them you are by no means alone on that score. Except for Sunderland who’s entire fan base are plonkers .
kimtoon(Quote)
Villa 😳 I thought it was two.
kimtoon(Quote)
Villa , early days mate, it’s a marathon not a sprint
kimtoon(Quote)
kimtoon,
😀 😀
a.villa fan(Quote)
Mitro came off after 58 min hope it’s not because of injury,nice for Murphy score his first goal
VILLA with your liking of Eric you must be over 30yrs lol
Icedog(Quote)
icedog,
mate,
im 65 soon.
and i believe eric is 75.
bloody hell. 😀 😀
a.villa fan(Quote)
on football,
with all the changes both of our clubs have made.
i would expect both of us to get promotion.
with my club.if randy lerner was still in charge,we would have dropped another league,no doubt.
a.villa fan(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/alan-shearer-generous-gesture-make-11842039
I bloody love Big Al, love that my hero does so much for disabled kids, a cause close to my heart.
kimtoon(Quote)
I’m just a pup at 55 then 🙂
kimtoon(Quote)
VILLA aye mate once we are over 21 mate time just runs away along with the years,I once had a chat for a couple of minutes at a nightclub with Eric in Kim land (Bristol) he heard my twang standing at the bar so we had a few words
Icedog(Quote)
Ice, think Mitro was subbed off not injured .
kimtoon(Quote)
Catch yous later off for a shower lol
Icedog(Quote)
kimtoon,
i thought you were a lot younger,by you photograth.
blimey you have weathered well.
and yes,fair play to alan shearer,not only a great player,but a great heart as well.
whereas,we are stuck with gabby onegoalayear,that thinks for nobody apart from himself.
a.villa fan(Quote)
Cheers mate,good news,don’t think the lad is quite match fit yet
Icedog(Quote)
That was Murphy’s first international goal tonight, Rafa effect working already 🙂
kimtoon(Quote)
That’s not me Villa, it’s my son, he’s 26 next week. He is special needs and the pic is of him wearing a toon top I won in a contest on this blog yonks back. One day I will swap the pic for one of me, if I can find one that’s not too scary 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
kimtoon,
sorry mate,
i thought the photo was kimtoon.
thats tough to have a son so young,that needs care.
my best wishes to you and your family.
a.villa fan(Quote)
Villa, cheers mate. It’s not so bad, there’s plenty worse off, gotta count your blessings I say.
kimtoon(Quote)
kimtoon,
yes mate,
remember that song,so if you are stabbed in the back say ta,
because there is always somebody worse off than you are.
a.villa fan(Quote)
Villa – likewise mate. I imagine Joe Kinnaer had a similar technique when he was at the toon ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
sharpy17,
ha ha,joe kinnear at the toon.
a bit like fish out of water. 😆 😆
a.villa fan(Quote)
Exactly
kimtoon(Quote)
right all,
i have enjoyed my visit to your site,
and in future i will just log in as villa now you all know who i am.
goodnight all,
and i will return after i have seen eric,to give you an update on how the show was. 😀
a.villa fan(Quote)
just to add,
if you ever log on to the villa blog for a peep.
by god its depressing,there are a few posters still moaning about everything we have done,since our new owner has come in.
talk about not remembering how shyte our last owner was.
a.villa fan(Quote)
a canny goal like
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37274343
icedog(Quote)
International break’s are dull and boring. Wow you get to see England win against some mickey mouse smaller country that doesn’t stand a chance or a meaningless friendly. When they turn up at a major tournament there more concerned about there holidays. England are just a joke at football these days.
Terry(Quote)
Not me!
Stuart79(Quote)
well it seems our players are coming back injury free thank god
icedog(Quote)
wheres everyone gone or am i on the wrong thread???
icedog(Quote)
Icedog: it is the international break man. Sends everybody into a coma. Luckily they are showing the South American qualifiers here so I do not have to watch the shambles that is England. I see Rooney is telling another manager where to play him now. I thought Fat Sam would the balls to stand up to him but he basically said that Wayne plays where Wayne wants to play.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good question Ice
Incidentally – your assertion that the fairs cup was a top Euro competition isn’t right. It had barely been invented when we won it and was way inferior to the old famous European Cup which Celtic and Man Utd had won recently.
Georgio(Quote)
Coma’s the right word Eric. Can’t stand the bloody things. You watching the American leagues this season?
Georgio(Quote)
dont you bust our bubble of that great time it felt that way lol
icedog(Quote)
Thanks for checking in Villa. I would join you but I unfortunately live in the big smoke these days so don’t get chance to go to too many games.
As Kim said, every club has its idiots. If the shoe were on the other foot, I’d ask how many NUFC fans would be able to resist taunting Villa if we sent them down. Both Villa and Newcastle are two big clubs that should be plying their trade in the Prem and in the upper echelons of the Prem at that. Let’s hope us and you get back to where we belong this season. ON PAPER, both sides have the squads to do it.
Andy Magpie(Quote)
I don’t think it is racist not to have a break for the African Cup of Nations. Every other continent and country coordinates their tournaments so that the qualifiers fit into the same periods and the tournaments are when there is a break in the major leagues. ACON stick their 5 week tournament in the middle of the season probably because of weather and have it every 2 years.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
i have no time for Rooney mate,havent much time for England come to that they are only bothered about their own ego,was reading a storey a while back about Rooney in a hotel room with a old slapper,gave the waiter 20 quid to get him 20 fags,the guy is a shithouse
icedog(Quote)
GEORGIO dont forget when going on to win that cup we beat some of the best teams in our lge and europe lge some feat mate at that time 😉 😉 😉
icedog(Quote)
I agree. You have to draw the line somewhere otherwise you’d be having international breaks all season round!
Andy Magpie(Quote)
Make the ACON every 4 years, like the other major international tournaments and move it to the Christmas period then introduce an international break for that period and move half the world cup/euro cup qualifiers to that period for European teams. More efficient for everybody.
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock: that makes so much sense that you know it will never happen 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Georgio: I don’t follow MLS. However I have been a fan of the Chicago Cubs for 27 years and used to have season tickets. They are doing really well and have a chance to win something for the first time since 1908. The city is going crazy. It is like Keegan and NUFC 1st time around. 20,000 Cubs fans went to a Milwaukee game on Monday. That’s about 100 miles away and 20,000 Cubs fans outnumbered the home support.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Icedog you explained it in a nutshell. The best thing about international football is getting your player’s back without being out for three month’s. It’s a liability these day’s when your fighting for the title, Europe, survival etc. I like somebody’s idea about play off’s only. England never turn up in the world cup or the European championship so it’s just a waste of time.
Terry(Quote)
i see the QPR game is sold out all ready,these ccc clubs must love toon being in this lge it makes them a few quid
icedog(Quote)
Eric – that’s baseball though. What’s up with the MLS that doesn’t float your boat? I’d heard from a Geordie in Portland that it was much more exciting now (that was before Taylor arrived btw)
Just pulling your chain Ice on a quiet day 😀
Real Madrid 7 – Eintracht Frankfurt 3
georgio(Quote)
ive got a good memory mind mate,every dog has his day 😆 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
yes, that would work out much better all round mate, won’t happen though ,far to sensible an idea. 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
They moan about us buying the league or what ever but sell out the game making every team a pile of cash. Can’t please some folk.
kimtoon(Quote)
Elliott signs a new 4yr deal ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Possibly Dummett has a new contract as well.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Georgio: I have wall to wall football here – I get about 6 La Liga games on the weekend and every PL game plus some Championship so there is no need to watch an inferior league. They also show quite a few French, German and Italian games live. honestly, I would watch football non-stop for the whole weekend if I wanted to.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It’s absolutely mental that you can do that Eric and yet for us to watch the odd game here in the UK we have to pay through the nose for the pleasure. Such a rip off.
Shamrock(Quote)
aye mate we pay here for others to enjoy elsewhere 😉
icedog(Quote)
Watched the news earlier – Ashley is in the middle of a right shitstorm with SD ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
As long as he doesn’t take it out on the toon
Icedog(Quote)
Sounds about the same way he handled Newcastle United for 9 years – 2 relegations, numerous idiot sticks as executives etc. etc.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I like the new contract for Elliot. Don’t understand why many don’t rate him? Possibly the same people who don’t rate Colback? I’m making fun of myself here. I supported Colback for quite a while and apparently he’s been dross. I still don’t think he’s quite as bad as some think he is. Can be very steady. Surely could enough to be a fill-in at LB or DM? We are in the Championship after all.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Ashley has done the same at SD as he did at NUFC – his brother is in charge of oversees online orders (no qualifications or experience) his daughters boyfriend oversees the SD properties (again – not qualified or experienced).
Loyal as you like but if I was a shareholder seeing my profits plummet, I reckon I’d be wanting answers too.
Sharpy17(Quote)