By David Henningham
He needs to go!
He’s had six years to turn our club around but things have gone from bad to worse. It’s not like he’s not had the money… £80 million spent over two years and we’re still not safe from relegation … how does that work?
He has no idea of team formation… why is he playing James up top when everyone knows he’s a centre-back!
We’ve been patient but it’s just not worked out for him… he needs to go now. If he stays for another season we’ll be playing lower league football in no time. He’s a nice guy but what’s he playing at? What’s our chairman playing at? We need to get rid now… enough is enough and it not just me saying this, it’s …’
Host: ‘But he’s had rotten luck since he took over… long-term injuries, rumblings with the chairman and, more recently, he’s had to deal with the ‘Flying Boot’ incident in the dressing room.
‘Even your longest-serving player has openly said the fans should not be blaming the manager and the players should be performing on the pitch. He has a good track record …’
Caller: ‘You having a laugh? He’s singlehandedly managed to get two of his last three clubs relegated… you call that a good track record?’
Host: ‘He managed to get the last club he managed into the top four after consistently being a lower mid-table side. His two clubs prior to that didn’t have the money necessary to buy the players who would have made a difference… on both occasions he was trying to fix a dire situation.’
Caller: ‘Now you really are having a laugh! It was pure luck that he got them into the top four… mainly due to Simmonds scoring 31 goals that season… the rest of the team were a shambles… no discipline, no shape, no system! We need to get rid!’
Host: ‘So who will you get in once you get rid?’
Caller: ‘We need Giles… if not Giles then Taylor.’
Host: ‘Giles has just signed a new contract with his current club and Taylor retires at the end of the season!’
Caller: ‘To be honest, I don’t care who we get in as long as we get rid sharpish!’
The Football Phone-In. It’s a place we can call to vent our anger, frustration, points of view and delight.
In general, it’s the football fans’ relief line. Let your fingers do the initial talking and once you’re through then you can really let rip!
So why is the Football Phone-In so popular? What gives us the urge to clock up our phone bills to voice our views?
Many reasons. Let’s examine a few.
Reason 1: Pure frustration. You were expecting great things from your team this season. They got off to a flying start but all of a sudden the wheels have come off the tracks and your team are uncontrollably heading in the wrong direction.
All of a sudden the wheels are back on the track but after a few more games they come off again.
How could this happen? It’s an emotional rollercoaster and you just can’t take much more. It’s got to be done… you grab your mobile and punch in those digits and hope you get through so you can air your frustration to the listeners.
Reason 2: Sheer delight. Maybe your team is a surprise package. You didn’t have much expectation for them… another relegation dogfight and surviving by the laces of their boots, but they’re flying!
You’re not sure how it’s happened but you’re enjoying the ride. They are playing nice football and it’s a good time to be a supporter of your beloved. You end up praising the manager, players, fans and the quality of the hot pies purchased at half-time… all is good so why not tell everyone about it?
Reason 3: Anger. The game you’re watching is on a knife-edge … it could go either way.
One of your players, who’s already on a yellow, makes a good challenge but the ref ends up dishing out a red and awarding your opponents a free-kick.
The free-kick is expertly curled into the top corner to the delight of the opposition.
Your blood boils as you stomp out of the stadium whilst vigorously punching the digits of the Football Phone-In into your mobile. Everyone needs to know about the disgraceful performance of the ref!
Reason 4: Opinion. ‘So what do you think about our 3-5-2 formation used in the last couple of games?’ ‘Who should be buy in the transfer window?’ ‘Will he sign a new contract?’ ‘Where will he be next season?’
Sometimes all we want to hear are opinions and reasoning. Nothing too heated… just a civilized discussion with a fresh perspective. It’s all good for the grey matter.
Reason 5: Safe environment. The chances are that if you get into a heated debate about football with a fellow supporter, a few sentences may end with the word ‘off’.
Whilst things can get a bit heated on the Phone-In, there is very little chance of bad language. Remember that you’re on air… be careful what slips out of your mouth whilst you convey your points of view… one slip of the tongue and you’ll be cut off!
The Football Phone-In… we need it. It is an essential service provided by radio stations linked in with experts and ex-professionals. Grab your phone, punch in the digits and get talking… it’s good to talk.
Once the weight has been lifted from your chest you’ll feel a lot better. Whilst the Football Phone-In won’t change the situation your team is in, this essential service is up there with the police, fire and ambulance service…use it when in need!
