Did Gareth Bale Have A Point?

This is the email I sent out after a few people had asked why I hadn't mentioned the Euros.

To be perfectly honest, the euros never really grabbed me like they have done, don't get me wrong, when England play any sport, especially tournaments, I'm right behind them and the flags are out.

But...One thing I do know, is that ( and this is just my opinion, so if I offend you, please email me and we can debate it), these so called superstars (in their own minds) take the piss out of the bread and butter of their wages...The fans. These blokes who are just average in their profession, and probably couldn't cope in the real world, real work, real people. They don;t want to be successful, they want to be famous.

It's not the fact that England were so shit and embarrassing and lost, no, the biggest piss take for me was the fact that not one person from the England camp was prepared to do an interview and stand up to be counted...Disgraceful.

They are quick enough to jump in front of the camera for some "smooth face cream" or shampoo stuff and earn some dollar, but, to do their "job" properly!!!...It takes, on average, most people 15 to 20 years to earn what some of these wankers earn in a WEEK.

Piss take or what?

Pressure, they do not know the meaning of the word.

That's enough... or I may start feeling upset.

See you at the lollipop

Happy Betting

Paul

Here are a few of the emails that came back to me and if you would like to comment on this subject, please feel free to do so down below...and don't be shy.

David wrote...

My sentiments entirely. I call them overpaid mambie pambies . I personally gave up watching football years ago, fed up with watching boring draws.

Tony...

Good evening Paul.

Hmm...I am in total agreement with you regarding the pathetic implosion by England.

Gareth Bale was castigated for his comments... their lack of passion...aloffness with fans...bigheadedness at how "great" they think they are.

Since England lost the likes of John Terry, a rock in defence and solid leader, quialification to the Euros was rightly deemed a success.

However, history repeated itself, even with a manager with good international credentials.

Form players completely disregarded yet again, and youngsters talented at club level, but not good enough for the internationals at senior levels.

Systems and personnel changed, mid competition; players played out of position (it's a hard life?!)

Contracts for mollycoddled players should be based only on performance (they should actually want to play gratis for their country!) and endorsements only after a competition is finished.

You are a passionate unabashed grass roots level saddlers fan, so have an understanding of real fans, what they sacrifice, to achieve watching their heroes, win or lose.

Heard a quote today about sport on general, which goes along the lines, the losses are inevitable, but, are part of a learning process to improve.

Watching Andy Murray develop over the years and doing all he can to improve even more, to get to next level, is inspirational and many football clubs should be tapping into his methods of achievement.

No disrespect to your team, but I am convinced if the players had the opportunity to play Iceland, they would make make more of an effort than we sadly witnessed.

I fractured my skull last year, when my heart failed. The experience has connected me with many different people who each have their own story. Something resonant is local and national pride, particularly through sport.

Its true not everyone can win, but effort and passion to succeed, it's a given to all fans.

Such a pity, as you mentioned earlier, England and Premier players only seem interested in improving their bank balance first, before having kicked a ball.

My final thought is with younger players...apprentices...the contracts, bonuses, Image rights (!!!!!)...Er...perhaps it's best for me to stop now!!!!

Greg wrote...

Hi Paul,

I couldn't have put it better myself, I too have very little interest in the Euros, found the Musketeers a much more enjoyable watch. I think Stevie Wonder could have passed the ball better than that tosser Rooney, £300,000 a week for that rubbish, at least I can sleep at night knowing I've done my bit for my £15 an hour. Just love an honest opinion.

Cheers Greg

Roger wrote....

Cannot agree with you more Paul, these guys were a disgrace, they showed no pride in the honour thay were granted- to wear the three lions. I know it is fashionable to deride pride in your country and is considered cllever to mock David Beckham but pride shone out of that man when he pulled on the shirt! RW

Iain wrote...

Couldn't agree more Paul, they were a shambles (although I am Scottish so I would say that!) really enjoying the sweet spots, has helped me find some decent priced winners

Regards Iain.

Dennis wrote...

Hello Paul, I am not usually one to go on and on about things but your knowing email deserves my little tales.

I cannot, for obvious reasons, name names but rest assured the following stories really happened.

I am directly related to the manager involved and have no reason to lie. You are speaking of today whilst I am refering to a UAFA and FA organised coaching schools (or whatever they call them now) coach and has been a league manager of four different club as well as countless reserve and youth teams. At the time he was assistant manager at a first division club when after a dreadful match on the Saturday he tore into the players during training. At one point he threatened,"play like that again and I'll take you down a coal mine and see how ordinary men have to graft for two hundred pounds a week". One player, who later became a first team player at one of the then big four and a full international replied, "Don't be silly gaffer, nobody would work for just that". My second tale is about another high profile player when going on holiday with his wife couldn't understand why he couldn't just walk through into the departure lounge. He hadn't had a clue as to needing his passport saying that he never needed one as the club took care of everything. Fortunately his wife had some common sense and had both passports in her handbag. So you see these little tales show that they live in a different world and many can't even think for themselves. I hope you have found these interesting. regards Dennis.

Denis wrote...

WELL !!!!!!......... where did that come from...LOL...

And I had you down as a meke and mild little soul.

Couldn't agree with you more Paul.

I am not the biggest footy fan but when shite like that is offered up as entertainment to the masses then I think that I would rather watch a blank screen or watch paint dry.

Now here's a thing, I know that we have not won anything since 66 but here's a theory of mine.

Since the introduction of outside players, most teams in the premiership leave evry little room for home grown talent to progress within a British team structure, therefore the success of that team is largley doen to foreign influence and what home grown players there might be within that team get carried along with that success.

When competitions come along the foreign players all fly away, leaving and exposing our home grown to their own devices and inadequate talent. And that's why our players will always struggle when it comes to competitions. Withouth the foreign players around them to help them shine quite frankly they are just pretty ordinary compared to the rest of the world. Cheers Denis

Mike wrote...

Morning Paul, absolutely!!

Best wishes, Mike

Roger wrote...

Defintely agree Paul, well said,

regards Roger.

Some very interesting opinions, and it could be said, that there may be a common denominator in all this...Could it be ...Attitude?

What do you think?

You are very welcome to leave a comment below.