Changing Times

It is interesting that Tony Adams could not be considered a viable assistant to Harry Redknapp in Redknapp's new role as Tottenham Hotspur manager. It is reported widely that his long connection with Arsenal would make him unemployable at White Hart Lane.

What effect would such rules have had in the football of the post second world war period that saw former Liverpool player Matt Busby take over at Old Trafford. Or Joe Mercer - ex Everton take over at Manchester City.

The track record of former club players in the managment role, bears pale comparison with that of the shameless turncoats, as indeed does the record of less than star players (Wenger, Ferguson Mourinho) against the world class players (Charlton, Robson, Moore).

It would seem that in the day when continuous loyalty (or was it dubious contactual restrictions) was the norm we demanded less of our football people. And now when it is entirely obvious that football is a business unfettered by such kitschy ideals of undying love, we want to threaten abuse and generally destroy those who have the guts to play for two wildly different opposing football clubs. Of course because of this unnatural desire for loyalty we are treated to the ludicrous charade of badge kissing. Whoever kissed the first badge and those who now follow this dubious ritual should be placed in the corner at the Stadium of Light and ritually pelted with coins, bottles and the odd hot pie.