So we’re a month or so in to 2009/10, and it’s been pretty hectic, to say the least. Lots of flashpoints, talking points and most importantly, lots of football. So what have been the characteristics of this opening month that have captured the imagination?
1. There has been an awful lot of football played. As the FA try to fit a whole season in before the world cup starts, teams are finding the games coming thick and fast, early on. Most premier league teams have played 5 times already, while the championship clubs have played 7 or 8. Squad size looks like it will become even more crucial once those winter pitches are upon us, sapping every ounce of energy out of players’ legs
2. There have been an awful lot of goals. Fantasy footballers must be raking in the points from any number of goalscorers. I seem to remember this happening in the 2005/06 season too, as players gave their all to get a place in a world cup squad. Long may it continue, I say.
3. There’s a hefty gap between the championship and the premiership. Remember how rubbish Newcastle were last year? And Middlesbrough too? Well they are sitting at the top of the Championship, and seem to be finding life pretty easy. Sure, they may have shed some of their better players, but they still keep in winning. I know its early days, but those two may well bounce back straight away. I still wouldn’t pay to watch either, though.
4. UEFA and FIFA are bonkers. I can’t keep up with the different charges they are bringing, and rules they are changing, and extra referees they are introducing. And the Eduardo farce? Not a clue what happened there. The Chelsea ban? Hilarious, but totally out of left field. At least they’ve struck out on a different path to the one that sees the suits get fed at corporate do’s while pretending to watch football. What will they do next? Who knows. Who honestly knows.
5. Have people stopped going to watch live football? The grounds seem to have big patches of seats free (or at least it looks that way on the telly) and on the couple of times I’ve paid my dues and gone to watch live, its not been hard to get a ticket. Is this the effect the credit crunch will have on footy? Have I got it wrong? All I can say is a ticket to watch Crystal Palace play Newcastle in the Championship cost almost £40. Wow. No wonder people aren’t putting bums on seats.
6. I’m excited by England! Our national team has lost its Englishness, apparently. Brilliant, I say. They look unplayable. What has changed? Well, in short the team scores goals, and doesn’t concede many. Not rocket science. What’s even more exciting is that Fabio Capello seems to be making all these English prima donnas into better players, and more remarkably, more likeable people! Who’d have thought it.
So what else have you noticed? Anything that strikes you about the start to the season? All I know is that, with the way it’s started, the season is going to be an absolute cracker. I can’t wait.
