Spot On!

We all tend to think players have the same attachment and love of a club as do we, the fans. There ARE exceptions, but, to the vast majority of players, their clubs are their employees, nothing more. Their feelings and attitude towards their employers are much the same as we would have for our own-parts about them we don't like, people we work with who we can't stand, moan about this, that and the other, but, get a better offer, they're off, as we would be.

Some players are open about the clubs they support as fans-with Paul Scholes its Oldham and he has repeatedly said he wants to finish playing their, they were his club and remain thus, Hucks "discovered" Norwich and now we are his, Alan Smith, for all his histronics at Leeds, was an Everton fan. Another Leeds player, David Batty, admitted in his autobiography that he "hated football" but it gave him a good living so he made it just that until he retired, he is now out of the game entirely and living on his ill gotten gains.

I can't see how loan players can be lacking in loyalty to the club-our club, any club-compared to the "permanent" signings, all are here because thats who pays the wages, next week, next month, next year, it might be someone else and then they'll kiss that badge. Doesn't matter if its Lita, here for another few games, or someone like Drury, with a long term contract, its all the same to all and sundry.

Having said that, the reason I don't like the loan system is that it doesn't give cohesion or consistancy, which is essential if a team is to get anywhere and "gel". We may have to have consistency and patience with the manager but if he doesn't know what his sqaud is going to be one week to the next, its harder for him than it could have been.

Not enjoying it, not many of us are, but thats how it is and I can't see it changing for many a long year.

Posted By: Martin Peters, Nov 9, 13:16:57