Joe Jennings's Recent Posts

How Sky has contributed greatly to the demise of the once beautiful game

Joe Jennings — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:20:35 +0100

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

Why this leopard Barton will never change his spots

Joe Jennings — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:24:27 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Joe Jennings doesn't buy into Barton's remorse and cannot see this leopard changing its spots.

There are many things that I find dislikeable about football, ranging from how football clubs are run and managed; all the way down to players and supporters. But one thing I find particularly bothersome, contemptible in fact; are the modern day footballers who take everything they gain for granted, raking in huge amounts each week as others endeavour to remain afloat.

Quite who springs to mind immediately is a topic of dispute; who else but Scouse thug Joey Barton. I have no qualms in opting for the word thug when it comes to Joey Barton and I'd confront anybody to tell me I'm wrong.

Having beaten up a team mate when at Manchester City, stubbed a cigar into another team mate's eye and broke a 36-year-old pedestrian's leg whilst driving his car through Liverpool. Are all of these examples of baseness merely an unlucky coincidence? They're not; he's a thug; nothing more, nothing less. I'm sorry but I decline to purchase the "I will never do it again, I am deeply sorry" approach, it doesn't wash now and it never will with the level-headed. It is sad to say, but I don't think he has, or ever will change. Undoubtedly there is ability within Barton, striking people seems to prove his forte, persistent offending appears to be the only thing he is prolific at.

Talented or tainted appears to be the question. Sure, Barton has shown glimpses of quality and probably was the driving force in keeping City in the Premiership, only a few years ago. But I find his interviews, particularly a relatively recent one with BBC Inside Sport, pathetic. There is no remorse, however apologetic it may seem from the outset. The man is nothing but a mindless hoodlum and it sickens me that he makes money from hard-working fans.

Barton's charge-sheet may comprise misdemeanours when contrasted with the crimes of the omnipotent or the truly wicked, but that does not make his get-out clause any more acceptable in my opinion.

At one stage, Everton were heavily linked. Yes Barton could have complimented the midfield rank well, but in reality I feel he would have been found out for what he truly is, an untalented hardworking midfielder. It would appear Barton is outwardly not shy of his own abilities, as his attempted Glenn Hoddle passes that are usually always doomed to failure, testify.

Barton's recent "McIncident" was the sort of brainless, drunken thuggery which shames Britain every weekend of the year. It is why this nation is detested within holiday resorts all over the globe and it is why Chelsea and Manchester United fans were locked in alcohol free holding pens before the Champions League Final in Moscow.

Barton is an output of that culture, he just also happens to be a half decent footballer. Many turned a blind eye to Gazza's fundamental issues for countless years purely because he could play a bit and look what state he's in now; a casualty of society, his vicinity, his addiction to alcohol and a chump who warrants yet another chance at redemption?

Maybe we should forgive and forget, yet does Barton merit that opportunity as a Newcastle United footballer who earns more than 50,000-a-week for the privilege? In my opinion, he does not. It is not only sickening, but downright disrespectful that a man of Barton's calibre, despite his endless list of offences, will soon roam the streets with his pocket bulging and his ego undoubtedly as high as ever. It will be interesting to see what you have to say for yourself to the big fella upstairs, Joey.

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Are Everton doing enough to maintain their identity?

Joe Jennings — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:51:31 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Joe Jennings wonders if Everton are doing enough to maintain their identity within the City.

The commencement of the much awaited Liverpool One shopping development last week raised a few eyebrows among Evertonians, resulting in gripes towards the reputedly inadequate club we love and cherish.

For me personally, it made me think about our stature and presence in the City of Liverpool, or as I concluded, our complete lack of it. As the tape was cut, hordes of eager and self proclaimed "abiding" Liverpool fans surged into their new shiny club shop as Evertonians looked on not only with envy but sheer disgust.

Liverpool is proving a tourist honey pot, with the masses flocking to the city of culture to sample a taste of Scouse life. What are Everton doing to exploit this? Barring closing the club shop within the city centre and saddling the equally contemptible JJB with our merchandise.

Why is it that we as a club find it unthinkable to market ourselves off the pitch, is it really that laborious? I find it absolutely baffling, I simply cannot grasp the reasoning behind not opening a club shop in a thriving city that is literally saturated with tourism and in turn money. Going to the club shop to purchase Everton related merchandise is all well and good, but in reality, it is unpractical and unfitting of the marketing developments within football in general.

Walking along Church Street, only a few weeks ago was astounding. Admittedly, it was a relatively hot day but it pained me to view a sea of red in front of me. In my opinion, for every ten Liverpool jerseys that were donned, only one or possibly two Everton replica shirts were spotted. Now maybe this is irrelevant, maybe it is a mere coincidence but in my opinion this is a sad reminder of the reality of our predicament; we are living in the shadow, literally.

But this can be halted, which is the most frustrating aspect of the whole scenario. We're finally getting things right on the pitch with Moyes and a respectable, well-equipped squad, which is what we all desire, but in years to come who'll be there to watch us, what legacy will we have?

Sadly, at the current rate, not only will young Evertonians continue to diminish frequently but the visitors to Liverpool city centre will result in the dramatic upturn in fortunes of the beloved neighbours. What connection will we have with Liverpool if the proposed ground move reaches fruition, what will prevent the "One City- One Love- One Liverpool" media tool being spun?

The slackness of the marketing department at Everton Football Club is not only astounding, but evidently inadequate and ill-equipped to the task of managing a top-five Premiership club. How can a club of our size be so anonymous to hundreds of thousands of people? I recently travelled abroad, I spoke to a fair few football fans, mainly under the age of 16, who for the life of them, couldn't grasp the concept behind me supporting Everton if I lived in Liverpool, it was as if we didn't exist.

If only we had somebody within the club who had a shred of knowledge of how not only to gain publicity, but maintain it. Why can't we adopt the approach of many others, literally bobbing up and down in front of the cameras like an annoying rabble that to refuse settle for limited exposure? Last week, the world's spotlight was on the city of Liverpool, we missed out, big time.

I look on with great fear and agitation as the countdown to the Kirkby bomb reaches nearer, hopefully it will self destruct and the haunted tunnel will grind to a halt. But one thing will prove absolutely crucial, David Moyes and his Everton squad must win a trophy before it's too late, we can no longer continue to produce such die-hard schoolboy blues with a glittering history from the ‘80s. We must embrace ourselves for the darkest possible predicament, winning a trophy gives the young fans something to think about, something to feel proud about, and now more than ever, those are the fans we need to capture and in turn nurture.

NB - Joe Jennings is competing in our Bloggers Euro Championship so if you can give his article a rating in the voting box, it would be greatly appreciated.

Semi Final Germany vs. Turkey. 19.45

What it means to be an Evertonian and why you are born to be blue!

Joe Jennings — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:43:06 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Joe Jennings feels that Evertonians are a special breed of people.

Admittedly, supporting Everton is not something you can switch off, it proves eternal. Yet unfortunately, I and many others will find it impossible to gracefully accept a ground move that not only has no place in our hearts but in our wallets.

Crazily, I somehow feel closer to the club when times are rough, Everton often reflect my own feelings. When we lose, many face the consequences; I'm inconsolable, for a few hours at least.

The emotions that Everton can evoke are not only visibly painful but truly mesmerising. A REAL Evertonian is not somebody who goes home away and abroad, but one that is emotionally affected not only by results but all things related to the club. It doesn't matter if you're a stone's throw away from the Liver Birds or located in the Amazon Rainforest, if you walk on air when we win, bursting with sheer pride, you're a blue.

You cannot dip in and out when Everton are winning or losing, you cannot choose the path to follow. In my opinion, nothing beyond supporting Everton with all of your heart qualifies you as an Evertonian. Passion is passion, irrespective of locality.

Everton is a club like no other; Evertonians are a breed like no other. Evertonians are different, Everton are different, we are not a team who have dominated for prolonged periods, but just about every decade we come from relative periphery to glory, this leaves generations of blues with totally varying perspectives of the club we all love.

The sensitive Blues need to comprehend not only the outpourings of heartfelt passion, but the reasoning behind it. The thing I find most difficult to stomach is the divide the club has caused among its huge, dedicated band of supporters, it's heartbreaking.

Everton not only bring emotional extremes, but optimism, hope and grandeur. Will this be the same in Knowsley? Sadly I fear not. We all not only share and endure the tears, joy and frustration of being a supporter of Everton, but sadly the negative connotations that are associated with the ride, namely the Kirkby conundrum.

Only the "Insiders" can comprehend the range of emotions involved in backing the Blues. You simply cannot grasp, nor fully understand the evident implications of supporting Everton unless you do, loving and cherishing them with every inch of your heart. I love Everton not because we have a glittering history and a seemingly bright future but because I was chosen to be part of such an elite group of people.

When we were chosen, we signed on for life; we didn't have to. We could have supported a whole host of other sides, but we didn't. Branding myself an Evertonian not only means something to me personally, but offers me an identity that I hope to never relinquish. For better or for worse, I will always be Blue.

Champions League or relegation fodder, Goodison or Kirkby we're all devoted disciples and just being able to call myself a supporter of Everton is good enough for me, whatever the outcome. You do not become a Blue; you're born to be Blue.

Are Everton facing up to a defining season?

Joe Jennings — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:26:53 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Joe Jennings feels that next season is a defining one for Everton football club.

Liverpool is a passionate footballing city at the best of the times, but when your success is measured up against that of your bitterest red rivals, anguish, passion and perceivable levels of intensity are inevitable.

Next season will prove fundamental in shaping our future, of that I have no doubt. Irrefutably we have the core of an excellent team, but unless depth is added to a depleted rank then I fear we will hit a plateau of development, with Moyes potentially becoming confounded by a lack of cash injection.

The problem, previously, tended to be the perceptible yoyo effect the club had begrudgingly adopted, however David Moyes has now built a squad of players not only with the right attributes; both mentally and physically, but a squad that possesses genuine quality.

The football is improving, the fans are expecting and most importantly, the mentality and mindset of the players would appear to have altered. Gone are the days of merely hoping for supremacy, the players and fans alike now not only demand victory, but expect it.

Last season, whether through sheer bad luck or otherwise, we didn't produce against the "Big 4"- fact. Yes there was no shortage of commitment, effort and endeavour but the lack of penetration and conciseness in our attacks proved inadequate to the task.

This must change if we are to become a force, we can dispute all day long whether certain circumstances had been different, the statistics don't deceive, we picked up one point from a possible twenty four. I don't want to be known, collectively as a fan base, as "if-but" merchants, we're better than that.

We need to make our own luck, the future success of Everton will depend entirely on the club itself, nobody else matters. What we achieve is down to our own efforts, remember that. We get knocked down, we must get up again; there is no other option. Why? Because that is what the best do, they are relentless in the pursuit of success, perseverance is crucial.

I'm not going to divulge into whether we sign this player or that, I trust our Glaswegian to get that right but he needs help; considerable financial assistance to ensure the future development of Everton, the almost phoenix from the flames, remains sustainable. The mismanagement of Everton Football Club can simply not continue, it is no longer acceptable nor a rightful reflection of our aspirations.

Hopes of replicating the achievements of those halogen days may yet prove unfounded and possibly out of our reach but with Moyes at the helm, combined with sufficient financial backing and a vociferous Goodison faithful, everything is achievable. In my opinion, progress is proving tangible; not only among Evertonians and the Merseyside region, but throughout the country. Relinquishing the mantle of the mightiest has already occurred; it's up to Everton as a club, now more than ever to regain our place at the forefront.

Quarter Final Portugal vs. Germany. 19.45