Anti-Player sentiment

[Joker]

We hear a lot of complaints these days about "greedy" players etc. For example, Theo Walcott has had a character assassination done on him by Arseblog and others, with insinuations that he doesn't want to sign a contract because he's afraid of competition from AOC, that he's money hungry, arrogant, with ideas above his station etc. And when he gave an interview which sounded somewhat promising, Arseblog spun it to make it seem as if he was non committal about his future.

A similar thing happened with Ashley Cole, and he continues to have opprobrium poured on him for refusing to sign a new contract with us, which we put down to "greed". However, perhaps it's time to go beyond this anti-worker mentality that many football fans of all clubs have and look at the bigger picture. With Cole, the wage being offered was actually too low for a player of his quality. With Walcott, we have no idea why there is a delay in his signing a contract. Maybe the club are messing him about as well, and not giving him a contract that reflects his contributions especially last season?

We seldom look at the board and the money-men when there are contractual disputes such as with Cole, Walcott and many others. Afterall, it is the players who add value to the football "industry", it is they who help attract sponsorship deals for the clubs, that get fans to sign season tickets and win the trophies that increase "brand value". And yet, look at the amount of money being siphoned off by those like Gazidis, PHW, Kroenke and the vast inequality between those who add value (the players) and those who live off the back of the fans and players (the owners and corporate management) becomes clear. Given this, shouldn't we be a bit more understanding when a player threatens to leave the club, rather than immediately branding him "greedy"?

There are interesting comments by Kranjcar about the Modric situation that appeared today:

http://www1.skysports.com/football/n...acks-liar-Levy

"Levy did everything to protect the interests of the club and make a profit. He has also used lies to deceive the public, which is allowed in business.

And yet, the focus on a lot of blogs and websites is on "greedy" Modric, with little attention being paid to the Chairman/Board who are probably the greediest of any group within football, but who get a free ride from the fans.

[LDG]

They're all greedy.

What happens when there's shitloads of money flying around?

Everyone wants a piece of the pie.

If feel sorry for none of these ****s.

End of.

[GP]

The players are the ones we pay to see, so they get the stick when they fuck off for more money.

Simple really.
Shit thread.

[Kano]

Given this, shouldn't we be a bit more understanding when a player threatens to leave the club, rather than immediately branding him "greedy"?

no. it's football. we're irrational. players are irrational. it's a passionate game.

we love them whilst they play for us but if they leave they are ****s.

nothing complicated.

[LDG]

no. it's football. we're irrational. players are irrational. it's a passionate game.

we love them whilst they play for us but if they leave they are ****s.

nothing complicated.

[IBK]

We hear a lot of complaints these days about "greedy" players etc. For example, Theo Walcott has had a character assassination done on him by Arseblog and others, with insinuations that he doesn't want to sign a contract because he's afraid of competition from AOC, that he's money hungry, arrogant, with ideas above his station etc. And when he gave an interview which sounded somewhat promising, Arseblog spun it to make it seem as if he was non committal about his future.

A similar thing happened with Ashley Cole, and he continues to have opprobrium poured on him for refusing to sign a new contract with us, which we put down to "greed". However, perhaps it's time to go beyond this anti-worker mentality that many football fans of all clubs have and look at the bigger picture. With Cole, the wage being offered was actually too low for a player of his quality. With Walcott, we have no idea why there is a delay in his signing a contract. Maybe the club are messing him about as well, and not giving him a contract that reflects his contributions especially last season?

We seldom look at the board and the money-men when there are contractual disputes such as with Cole, Walcott and many others. Afterall, it is the players who add value to the football "industry", it is they who help attract sponsorship deals for the clubs, that get fans to sign season tickets and win the trophies that increase "brand value". And yet, look at the amount of money being siphoned off by those like Gazidis, PHW, Kroenke and the vast inequality between those who add value (the players) and those who live off the back of the fans and players (the owners and corporate management) becomes clear. Given this, shouldn't we be a bit more understanding when a player threatens to leave the club, rather than immediately branding him "greedy"?

There are interesting comments by Kranjcar about the Modric situation that appeared today:

http://www1.skysports.com/football/n...acks-liar-Levy



And yet, the focus on a lot of blogs and websites is on "greedy" Modric, with little attention being paid to the Chairman/Board who are probably the greediest of any group within football, but who get a free ride from the fans.

As I've said elsewhere - I think you are missing the point.

This issue is not about whether want away players are justified; or entitled to agitate for moves elsewhere. It is not about whether relative to owners and board they are more, less, or equally greedy. Its not about relative ambitions of clubs and players, and its not about whether we should expect loyalty in this day and age.

Its about being football fans. its about loving your club, and feeling an emotional attachment to it.

Do you think that you would feel rational or ambivalent if your girlfriend dumped you for a richer; better-looking bloke? Would you rationalise it by saying - well I can see that she had an opportunity to better herself? Would you look at your faults and conclude that yes, her move was justified.

Would you hell - you would hate her guts, and his. And in time you would find a reason for justifying why you are better off without him.

We are football fans, FFS, at the end of the day. So yes, debate the faults of the club all day long - but don't question the reactions of fans who feel jilted when their idols reject them and join the opposition.

Footballer's fortunes and careers are built, partly, upon enjoying the adulation of fans - they can fucking well put up with it when they stick two fingers up to that adulation and move on - whether for so-called ambition, or for a bigger buck. And they certainly don't need apologists sympathising with their plight.

[LDG]

Do you think that you would feel rational or ambivalent if your girlfriend dumped you for a richer; better-looking bloke? Would you rationalise it by saying - well I can see that she had an opportunity to better herself? Would you look at your faults and conclude that yes, her move was justified.

As well you know, I have also a hooker who can play there.

[IBK]

As well you know, I have also a hooker who can play there.

Alex Song?

[LDG]

Alex Song?

I wish

[Power n Glory]

Gotta love soccer!