[meandbrenarebaggies]

It surprises me that after a lifetime of playing and watching football my interest seems to be declining. The regrettable position of The Albion in the league does not stir the chest-beating anguish of days of yore. The success of other teams, likewise, induces ennui rather than envy. How to explain this? On reflection, I think it’s my somewhat rigid expectation of what sport and in particular football should be about. I was always encouraged to believe that sport, of itself, was balanced, fair and unaffected by outside influences and pursuit of those values was worthy of my effort as a life lesson. A bit “Ripping Yarns” I know but I would ask you…what is the point of any sport if it matches obvious inequality due to unequal investment? We need to turn around and take a different path. Away from the billionaires; Media moguls; endless journalistic dissection of performance; focus on results above all and back to respect for football as a great sport with ups and downs, comedic moments, physical beauty and deep roots in the common people playing it. Relegation is just a line on a list. When City win the title I have a sneaky feeling some of them will be thinking “is that all there is to it?” their joy will be tempered by the money it has taken. I wish The Albion success, but not at any price.