Football FanCast columnist Joe Jennings looks at the way football has evolved since the arrival of Sky and feels it has tarnished the once beautiful game.

The implementation of Sky Sports way back in 1992, for the lower league clubs in particular; has proved an unmitigated catastrophe.

In my opinion, football clubs are regional institutions with undoubtedly huge capability to unite and, in turn, vitalise communities. It is nothing less than a dour shame that such potential is being slowly annihilated, not only by economic disparity; but profiteering and heartless globalisation.

The cyclical evils Sky have introduced, some say, cannot last. But why not? Every year the "Top 4" get wealthier, every year the title chasers remain the same. Is this the football that we fell in love with, the sport that emotionally affects so many people? The almost philistine assessment we used to harbour of Scottish football has come true in our own backyard, I find it despicable.

Undoubtedly, many will point to English flourish in Europe as an indicator of how blooming everything is. Yet even that is becoming a mere exhibition: same clubs, same fixtures, year after year.

Moreover, outside of this astronomical, gross wealth in that gated neighbourhood right at the top, the rest of us are struggling, languishing to even keep our heads above the water. When the FA vaunt about the lower leagues being the "lifeblood of football" you can virtually heed the sound of a concave, sour cackle up and down the country. As we ALL know that nobody, in reality, gives a damn. The renowned football family; one big jubilant festivity. It's a shame most of us didn't get an invite.

Sky have spoilt football for the conventional fan who enjoys the live experience- fact. Yet all they worry about is those indoctrinated enough to tune in and subscribe to their "lucrative" package.

Sure, Sky are commendable, if we desire play-boy footballers showcasing their skills from 50 different camera angles whilst Andy Gray foams at the mouth. But if we want fruitful leagues, strict rules on unjust and immoral financial activity, a genuine competitiveness at both club and national level where the script isn't already written, then we need not only a huge re-think; but a massive overhaul.

Wasn't the savoury of football about how it threw up surprise, the unforeseen, the unsuspected, the unaccountable, the minnows, the frumpy, even the dismal? This era is one of no alarms and no surprises, and sadly, that makes for a stagnant sport.

Clubs go into administration yearly and yet we are told, time and time again; that we've never had it so unblemished. Do we see much of these riches; is it all one big fat lie? In terms of the money provided, how the authorities have opted to allocate the money, in my opinion, is very circumspect and has lead to a colossal discrepancy between those who have and those that don't.

Gone are the days of the regular fan walking into the ground at 14:55 to witness his heroes, who most could genuinely relate to; emerge from the tunnel. We can blame Sky not only for the sharp increase in ticket prices caused by a merciless financial injection but their major influence on fixtures lists for that. Money, mainly contributed by Murdoch's Sky is a vulgar plight on a sport that still, despite the visible flaws within it; remains the most adored and sought after in the world. Sky, in my opinion, have ravished football for the once beauteous game it was. Thanks for everything Sky, it's been a pleasure.

Both Chris Mackin and Joe Jennings are competing in our Euro Bloggers semi final - so if you can take the time to read both articles and give a subsequent vote as to which article you felt was of greater style, quality and content, it would be greatly appreciated.

Click here to read Chris Mackin's article