Would you rather

[chrismpw]

Watching Howard's Way for the first time today (a great, great watch) got me thinking. I'd love to have played professionally in those days in a successful team (especially Everton). Today? Even with all the armchair cash swilling about not in the slightest bit arsed. It's not the same game. So here's a question - given the choice and the ability to play in a mid table team (not Everton) as well as access to a time machine to would you:

A) play in the 80s, with rough muddy pitches, tough physical tackles, tiny shorts, a small squad and rock-hard heavy footballs.

B) play with a balloon on the billiard tables of today and be paid beyond the dreams of avarice while opposition players throw themselves to the ground as you get near to them.

Without any doubt I'd go for A. I'd love to get that kind of football back.

 

[Toast]

I'd take the Prem average wage of £50k a week thank you very much.

 

[SpongeBob brown shoes]

Today, all that money for doing nothing really, easy life

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Today.

One contract, set for life.

 

[degsy]

Watching Howard's Way for the first time today (a great, great watch) got me thinking. I'd love to have played professionally in those days in a successful team (especially Everton). Today? Even with all the armchair cash swilling about not in the slightest bit arsed. It's not the same game. So here's a question - given the choice and the ability to play in a mid table team (not Everton) as well as access to a time machine to would you:

A) play in the 80s, with rough muddy pitches, tough physical tackles, tiny shorts, a small squad and rock-hard heavy footballs.

B) play with a balloon on the billiard tables of today and be paid beyond the dreams of avarice while opposition players throw themselves to the ground as you get near to them.

Without any doubt I'd go for A. I'd love to get that kind of football back.

#metoo
Also you could still have a beer after the game
Win draw or lose, we go on the booze
Basically like being back in the Zingari, training and having a bevvy with your mates, then a game and a bevvy with your mates but with a decent wage and and bigger crowds, plus a bit of foreign travel thrown in.

 

[chrismpw]

I'd take the Prem average wage of £50k a week thank you very much.

Today, all that money for doing nothing really, easy life

Today.

One contract, set for life.

80s players were still payed better than brain surgeons and set up for life (unless they were stupid with their money).

Is it all about the money?

 

[The binman chronicles]

I used to love football in the 80's and early 90's, now I watch probably more out of habit than anything else, with only a few games during the season I actually enjoy.

So it would have to be back then, regardless of the cash now.

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

80s players were still payed better than brain surgeons and set up for life (unless they were stupid with their money).

Is it all about the money?

I've met a lot of ex players from 70s and 80s who have either struggled or are in jobs that they hate. You're right they have been extremely well paid however not at the level they are today.

If I had a 5 year prem contract instead of going in the forces for 5 years before doing my nurse training I could easily just work 3 days a week as a staff nurse doing something I really enjoy instead of working full time at a higher level which doesn't particularly bring me joy.

Money isn't everything but it gives you options. Get a career ending injury as a youngster and your first professional career as a prem player will still make you a millionare.

Personally I think the wages and money in football is abhorrent but I would love to make my millions and then travel the world at leisure as a young wealthy man.

 

[KaiserEFC]

Today. And I 100% wouldn’t play for Everton until I’m about 28/29 on the way down and they pop up with a huge 5 year deal that I can sit on, half arse everything and get fat.

 

[coollino]

Today, happy to make it on the bench once a month but do the charity work part as long as I was getting paid well.

 

[chrismpw]

I've met a lot of ex players from 70s and 80s who have either struggled or are in jobs that they hate. You're right they have been extremely well paid however not at the level they are today.

If I had a 5 year prem contract instead of going in the forces for 5 years before doing my nurse training I could easily just work 3 days a week as a staff nurse doing something I really enjoy instead of working full time at a higher level which doesn't particularly bring me joy.

Money isn't everything but it gives you options. Get a career ending injury as a youngster and your first professional career as a prem player will still make you a millionare.

Personally I think the wages and money in football is abhorrent but I would love to make my millions and then travel the world at leisure as a young wealthy man.

No doubt theres better money today. I don't buy into the justification that it has to pay well so that at 35 their career is over - they can just get another job and carry on working like the rest of us!

But for me I'd rather the 80s for the sport and competition aspect. I think with my set in stone attitude to fair play (with give and take) I'd erupt at the first cheating diving escapade today and be sent off seconds later for giving them a genuine reason to dive.

 

[coollino]

saddened by the #passion on display here.

 

[anjelikaferrett]

70s/80s. More connection with the fans, pre social media, drinking was acceptable. Money probably good but not the eye watering amounts of today.

 

[chrismpw]

70s/80s. More connection with the fans, pre social media, drinking was acceptable. Money probably good but not the eye watering amounts of today.

My view exactly.
Especially the more connection with the fan situation. I think players are wary of fans and keep at a distance today - the cause is the atmosphere can be so toxic because they're paid so much but are still fallible.

 

[anjelikaferrett]

My view exactly.
Especially the more connection with the fan situation. I think players are wary of fans and keep at a distance today - the cause is the atmosphere can be so toxic because they're paid so much but are still fallible.

They didn't live in bubbles. George Wood used to stop and give fans a lift to the match; Mick Lyons and Terry Darracott were guests of honour at my primary school summer fayre and spent the afternoon mingling with the good folk of St Austins in the beer tent! Cannot imagine that ever happening now