Wembley f.c "experiment"

[RowleyBirkinQ.C(deceased)]

New f.a cup sponsor Budweiser have also sponsored non league wembley F.C and bought in a host of old stars to play in the team and try to get them as far as possible in the cup, and it will be documented by an E.S.P.N documentary. Ray Parlour, Martin Keown, Claudio Cannigia, Brian Mcbride, Greame Le Saux, David Seaman will join Terry Venables at the club. Unsurprisingly it's drawn massive criticism in that league.
Shameless advertising by Budweiser? Or a romantic bit of fun?

m.guardian.co.uk

 

[Rich Suvner]

I don't see there being too much wrong with this. Feel sorry for first team players who miss out on cup action. But I don't see it as a sustainable or particularly repeatable business model (won't get same attention the nth time so won't be as powerful a marketing ploy) so is unlikely to be a real threat to non league football. I will prob take an interest, if only to see how many non league strikers fancy their luck against an old and probably not very agile David Seaman.

 

[Titus]

I heard about this on BBC London in the week. I think it's an awful idea, what happens to the club when Budweiser get bored and walk away?

 

[Garage_Doors]

I think its a great idea, brand new and never been done before great bit of advertising and a great romantic football idea.
Wembley FC have not been hoodwinked or given any false hope that this is a long term investment.
But the money they put in the club during this idea will help them enormously.

 

[Horsham Gull]

wont be much of a documentary if they get knocked out in the first qualifying round

 

[Vegas Seagull]

wont be much of a documentary if they get knocked out in the first qualifying round

You don't work in advertising do you?

 

[Lady Whistledown]

All it means is that every non-league clogger in the opposing side is going to head straight out on to the pitch determined to teach the old pros a lesson about taking the piss, and they'll get hoofed all over the park. They'll probably still win, after all any ex professional is going to be still leagues above your average Tier 6 player, but they won't half get kicked along the way.

 

[Goldstone Rapper]

All it means is that every non-league clogger in the opposing side is going to head straight out on to the pitch determined to teach the old pros a lesson about taking the piss, and they'll get hoofed all over the park. They'll probably still win, after all any ex professional is going to be still leagues above your average Tier 6 player, but they won't half get kicked along the way.

Sounds great to watch!

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Sounds great to watch!

True. In fact, I just noticed the name Claudio Caniggia in that list above. This could end up like being a sort of Phoenix From The Flames (for those who remember Fantasy Football) recreation of the booting he got in Italia 90 from Massing of Cameroon

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Don't those players have any dignity?

 

[Dan Gleeballs]

True. In fact, I just noticed the name Claudio Caniggia in that list above. This could end up like being a sort of Phoenix From The Flames (for those who remember Fantasy Football) recreation of the booting he got in Italia 90 from Massing of Cameroon

Possibly not for poor old Claudio but what an amazing world cup moment/clippet. Nice one Edna for bringing that back

 

[Mr Burns]

All it means is that every non-league clogger in the opposing side is going to head straight out on to the pitch determined to teach the old pros a lesson about taking the piss, and they'll get hoofed all over the park. They'll probably still win, after all any ex professional is going to be still leagues above your average Tier 6 player, but they won't half get kicked along the way.

Edna you'd be very surprised just how savvy ex-pros can be, when it comes to avoiding reckless "non-league" tackles. I don't think they being in too much danger of being kicked along the way.

 

[severnside gull]

If I was Wembley player expected to run my arse off in the league and then get automatically dropped for the first cup game I might be a tad pissed off

Hopefully they will get dumped out in their first qualifying round. Romance of the cup? They've shit it!

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Possibly not for poor old Claudio but what an amazing world cup moment/clippet. Nice one Edna for bringing that back

What's so funny about it is the two other Cameroon players who vainly attempt to boot him sky high before Massing finally takes him out

 

[KZNSeagull]

What's so funny about it is the two other Cameroon players who vainly attempt to boot him sky high before Massing finally takes him out

Indeed. At least he showed a little skill in actually connecting with him. And then he gets sent off for his trouble - there is no justice.

 

[Turkey]

I don't like it, not really sure its in the spirit of the competition. Imagine if Nike decide to sponsor Leyton Orient next season and get a load of ex-World Stars ala Ronaldinhio, Roberto Carlos etc etc playing for them. That said, job done by Budweiser, cos they've got people talking about it.

 

[BensGrandad]

I cannot see the problem with this if I or any other person or even Harveys bought a club eg Lewes or Burgess Hill and filled it with ex Albion players at my or their expense what is the problem or is it because it is Budweiser an internationally known brand.

 

[Postman Pat]

Don't those players have any dignity?

I assume you have seen the Nivea TV advert? What do you think?

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I cannot see the problem with this if I or any other person or even Harveys bought a club eg Lewes or Burgess Hill and filled it with ex Albion players at my or their expense what is the problem or is it because it is Budweiser an internationally known brand.

I'm certain if any company undertook a similar and crass bit of PR they would get short shrift from the public.

 

[BensGrandad]

I am not sure that HARVEYS would taking into account local clubs probable financial difficulties and structure. People would look at it as if we BHA supporters, by supporting Harveys at The Amex were helping to keep Lewes in football.