I've been going since 1966, a lot has changed. I read that and my initial emotional reaction is I agree with every word.
However. Maybe we do look back on the past with rose tinted spectacles. Like most of us I'm more cynical about watching football than when I was younger. Then again I'm more cynical about politics, day to day living in general, food doesn't taste as good as when you were younger, getting drunk does not have anywhere near the same appeal, more people get on my nerves for longer, it's harder to put socks on in the morning etc etc. On the plus side I really don't give a shit what people think of me any more which I believe is very good for my mental health.
Even if I don't get to a game, I can see every kick without having to just read a match report the following day. If I do go to a game I'm unlikely to see anybody getting their head kicked in. If it's an away game we're more than likely not going to be herded around like cattle with ultra aggressive policing.
I take the point about the excitement of the goal in the moment but bathing in the afterglow of a great victory does still last just the same.
As I say I've been going since the 1960s. Back then there were probably old boys moaning about the game not being the same. Overpaid players, ridiculous transfer fees, hooligans, skinheads, Clive bloody Thomas, Alan bloody Hardaker, boring 0-0 draws (it's getting like bloody Italy!), Don bloody Revie and Dirty bloody Leeds. Even the FA Cup, there hasn't been a final like 1953 again.
It was never jumpers for goalposts and the money side of it took over when Alf Common was transferred for the ridiculous sum of £1000 !
If I didn't still have to work and money was no object. I would happily have a season ticket, an away season ticket, and go to every game in Europe and enjoy it all as much as when I was a lad . Well almost as much.
Up the Villa !
