Mo Gosfield
Well-known member
- Aug 11, 2010
- 6,387
The obsession with all things Premier League has distorted real values in football. Prior to 92/93, there were four divisions, all under one authority and fans generally didn't identify with an ' elite ' group of clubs. Sure there was dominance from some at times but any side that got their act together had a chance of winning the title. There was more respect from fans. You didn't hear comments like...." We should be beating sides like....( insert any of the 14 clubs outside the Big Six )
The creation of the PL was to ensure that a few larger clubs had the best chance of success/european qualification and therefore, the highest income. It worked. It created elitism. It created global support bases for the six dominant clubs we have today. It created an uneven playing field. None of these clubs will be relegated on the pitch. Ever. Two mini leagues within one. 14 other clubs all trying to hang on in there and compete.
Brighton have come a long way, relatively quickly. Less than two decades ago, most of us sat on scaffolding, getting soaking wet, using portacabin toilets and mobile snack vans. We cut our cloth accordingly. We went up and down a few times cos we couldn't even compete financially at Championship level.
Now, we are nearly a billion quid in tv revenue to the good, after 8 seasons in the Prem. Having bought, developed and sold a string of quality players, for a lot of money, in recent seasons, we are trying to replace that quality. The whole cycle takes time. Its not overnight. We are now in a transitional period, where we may go slightly backwards. Not to relegation but not necessarily in the top ten.
The sense of expectation is higher amongst younger fans. These were the ones singing about Europe and the CL, at Fulham and Leicester. These are the fans appearing on pre-match vlogs and predicting 3-0..3-1 etc wins all the time. Its understandable. They weren't around for the crumbling Goldstone, Gillingham or Withdean. Their reality is the money fuelled PL and all its glamour. Most of their friends support one of the Big Six. They are desperate to compete and be able to look the armchair Harrys in the eye and say...." we beat you "
I left about a minute before the end last night. I didn't hear any booing. If there was, I can only assume it was more a collective loud grumble. Booing doesnt achieve anything. Silence is the best medicine.
We just need a reality check. Forget Europe and top six, for the time being. Just get back to basics. Our sole aim is to stay in the PL and ensure we get enough points to do that. If you want a place in the sun, you've got to put up with a few blisters.
The creation of the PL was to ensure that a few larger clubs had the best chance of success/european qualification and therefore, the highest income. It worked. It created elitism. It created global support bases for the six dominant clubs we have today. It created an uneven playing field. None of these clubs will be relegated on the pitch. Ever. Two mini leagues within one. 14 other clubs all trying to hang on in there and compete.
Brighton have come a long way, relatively quickly. Less than two decades ago, most of us sat on scaffolding, getting soaking wet, using portacabin toilets and mobile snack vans. We cut our cloth accordingly. We went up and down a few times cos we couldn't even compete financially at Championship level.
Now, we are nearly a billion quid in tv revenue to the good, after 8 seasons in the Prem. Having bought, developed and sold a string of quality players, for a lot of money, in recent seasons, we are trying to replace that quality. The whole cycle takes time. Its not overnight. We are now in a transitional period, where we may go slightly backwards. Not to relegation but not necessarily in the top ten.
The sense of expectation is higher amongst younger fans. These were the ones singing about Europe and the CL, at Fulham and Leicester. These are the fans appearing on pre-match vlogs and predicting 3-0..3-1 etc wins all the time. Its understandable. They weren't around for the crumbling Goldstone, Gillingham or Withdean. Their reality is the money fuelled PL and all its glamour. Most of their friends support one of the Big Six. They are desperate to compete and be able to look the armchair Harrys in the eye and say...." we beat you "
I left about a minute before the end last night. I didn't hear any booing. If there was, I can only assume it was more a collective loud grumble. Booing doesnt achieve anything. Silence is the best medicine.
We just need a reality check. Forget Europe and top six, for the time being. Just get back to basics. Our sole aim is to stay in the PL and ensure we get enough points to do that. If you want a place in the sun, you've got to put up with a few blisters.
