Merry Christmas everyone!
At this time of year, everyone tends to think about the good things in life. So this leads me to thinking about football. I'm more than 3/4 of the way through this experiment and I have to admit that I am missing football. But will this forty days of footy abstinence change my life drastically? I decided to list all the good and bad effects that football has on my life. (Before I begin, a shout goes out to my friend Matt who bought me figurines of David Seaman and Chris Sutton to accompany through the last ten days of the ban)
Positives
Social aspect - meeting people, talking about football
Positive feeling when my team wins
Makes me relax
Experience of going to games
Being able to connect with people throughout the world through sport
Travelling to different places to see different teams
Getting to take my anger out on innocent sportsmen
Staying fit by playing football
Reason to drink beer
Negatives
Social aspect - avoid meeting people to watch football
Anger and frustration when my team loses
Makes me stress
Waste money going to games
Boring people from throughout the world with pointless football knowledge
Travelling to awful places to see matches that are invetibly an anti-climax
Taking my anger out on innocent sportsmen
Seeing how unfit I am playing football whilst realising I will never be good enough to play in 'a real game'
Reason to drink beer
Saturday 27 December 2008
Days Twenty Eight & Twenty Nine - 23rd and 24th December
So throughout the last couple of weeks, I've tried a few different sports to crave off my desires for the beautiful game. Today, I went for the most traditional and un-Scottish game of them all - cricket. One of my friends has admitted that he would rather watch gay porn than cricket. I'm not sure I would say I dislike the game this much, but it's still not exactly my favorite pasttime. Watching the last game of the England - India test match means that I have to stay up all night. I consider whether or not to watch some porn during the tea break, as this is what most 'normal' people stay up all night for.
It's actually a myth that noone in Scotland likes cricket. My brother, for instance, actually plays for our local club and regularly watches matches when they are on. He is my guide for the night, and immediately informs me that India have already won the series, so this match is pointless. I consider going back to bed...
The action begins with India winning the toss. I wonder why this is important, as not even in a penalty shootout during the World Cup final is this amount of attention given to the result of a heads or tails. I drop in a 'who gives a toss' joke. Sehwag immediately gets out early on, but Rahul Dravid bats 100 to ensure that India remain in control. India finish on 453, and its upm to England to battle back.
By about 3am, I am growing extremely tired. The score lies at England on 187-1. They are playing well but never really look convinced that they can achieve victory. I take my misery out on Kevin Pietersen, as I know he is one of the few cricketers who has a popstar wife. Wannabee footballer! Why would you want to be a footballer?
The England lower order disappeer pretty quickly and this improves my mood. But I begin to prey for the game to end. I'm bored and extremely tired. I actually fall asleep for a bit, and wake up to find India on 134-5. I barely even know what this means at this point.
About two hours or so later, and its all over. India declared on 251, and proceed to put their whole team out to bowl. With cricket meant to be a gentlemanly sport, I feel that this has to be considered bringing the game into disrepute. The game ends a draw. I will never ever complain about a 0-0 draw ever again.
On the whole, cricket was pretty disappointing. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I would enjoy a day out at Lords complete with a hamper, strawberries and champagne. But watching a test match in the middle of the night has done nothing but made me tired and grumpy.
It's actually a myth that noone in Scotland likes cricket. My brother, for instance, actually plays for our local club and regularly watches matches when they are on. He is my guide for the night, and immediately informs me that India have already won the series, so this match is pointless. I consider going back to bed...
The action begins with India winning the toss. I wonder why this is important, as not even in a penalty shootout during the World Cup final is this amount of attention given to the result of a heads or tails. I drop in a 'who gives a toss' joke. Sehwag immediately gets out early on, but Rahul Dravid bats 100 to ensure that India remain in control. India finish on 453, and its upm to England to battle back.
By about 3am, I am growing extremely tired. The score lies at England on 187-1. They are playing well but never really look convinced that they can achieve victory. I take my misery out on Kevin Pietersen, as I know he is one of the few cricketers who has a popstar wife. Wannabee footballer! Why would you want to be a footballer?
The England lower order disappeer pretty quickly and this improves my mood. But I begin to prey for the game to end. I'm bored and extremely tired. I actually fall asleep for a bit, and wake up to find India on 134-5. I barely even know what this means at this point.
About two hours or so later, and its all over. India declared on 251, and proceed to put their whole team out to bowl. With cricket meant to be a gentlemanly sport, I feel that this has to be considered bringing the game into disrepute. The game ends a draw. I will never ever complain about a 0-0 draw ever again.
On the whole, cricket was pretty disappointing. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I would enjoy a day out at Lords complete with a hamper, strawberries and champagne. But watching a test match in the middle of the night has done nothing but made me tired and grumpy.
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Days Twenty Six & Twenty Seven - 21st and 22nd December
With all this credit crunch palaver, Britons are arguably being more careful about how they spend their wages than they have been since the eighties. I would generally spend a significant proportion of my money on football. I go to maybe about ten games a season, but it is in other football related activities that most of my money is spent. Indeed, the average football fan spends between £20-30 a week on football. My outgoings are generally on: going to the pub to watch football, replica shirts, footy magazines and other types of memorabilia.
I have definetly saved money in undertaking this experiment. My time in the pub has rapidly decreased and I have managed to find several activities that are far more economical than football. For fun, I decided to list some of the ways that I could alternatively spend the money that I would on football.
Match Ticket - £27
Alternatives
The Superorganism: The Beauty, Elegance, and Strangeness of Insect Societies (Hardcover)
£26.25 from Amazon.co.uk
Learn about some of the world's most fascinating insects by browsing this illustrated textbook on superorganisms. Definetly more organismic than your average goal!
Pen Fishing Rod
£24.95 from Iwantoneofthose.com
Simply put its a pen and a fishing rod. Write your memoirs whilst catching your dinner!
The Albums (Abba Boxset)
£27.97 from Amazon.co.uk
Listen to all the favourites from Swedish legends Abba. Definetly more entertaining than watching Freddy Ljungberg playing in an MLS match.
Replica Shirt - £40
Alternatives
Lionel Ritchie Tickets
from £35, Amazon.co.uk
Instead of taking your girlfriend to Exeter vs Mansfield, take her to see Lionel Ritchie. She'll either fall in love with you, or leave you.
Sky Challenger Helicopters
£39.99 from Iwantoneofthose.com
Chalenge your mates to aerial warfare with these flying helicopters that battle through infra red technology.
Flights from Ryanair.com
from £20
Instead of spending your weekend on the freezing terraces, go and get some sunshine. Oh, and if you insist on watching F**tball, then why not catch a match while you're over there.
Pint of beer at a pub - £3
Alternatives
Poptastic
£4.99 from Iwantoneofthose.com
This gadget recreates the greatest feeling in the world - the experience of popping bubble wrap! Sure to give at least 90 minutes of entertainment.
Gladiator DVD
£2.99 from Play.com
One of the greatest films of all time. Aurelius Maximus is unlikely to limp off after ten minutes with a slight groin strain.
15 minute workouts for dummies
£2.99, Play.com
Get out of the pub and do some exercise. It may even improve your 5 a side skills!
I have definetly saved money in undertaking this experiment. My time in the pub has rapidly decreased and I have managed to find several activities that are far more economical than football. For fun, I decided to list some of the ways that I could alternatively spend the money that I would on football.
Match Ticket - £27
Alternatives
The Superorganism: The Beauty, Elegance, and Strangeness of Insect Societies (Hardcover)
£26.25 from Amazon.co.uk
Learn about some of the world's most fascinating insects by browsing this illustrated textbook on superorganisms. Definetly more organismic than your average goal!
Pen Fishing Rod
£24.95 from Iwantoneofthose.com
Simply put its a pen and a fishing rod. Write your memoirs whilst catching your dinner!
The Albums (Abba Boxset)
£27.97 from Amazon.co.uk
Listen to all the favourites from Swedish legends Abba. Definetly more entertaining than watching Freddy Ljungberg playing in an MLS match.
Replica Shirt - £40
Alternatives
Lionel Ritchie Tickets
from £35, Amazon.co.uk
Instead of taking your girlfriend to Exeter vs Mansfield, take her to see Lionel Ritchie. She'll either fall in love with you, or leave you.
Sky Challenger Helicopters
£39.99 from Iwantoneofthose.com
Chalenge your mates to aerial warfare with these flying helicopters that battle through infra red technology.
Flights from Ryanair.com
from £20
Instead of spending your weekend on the freezing terraces, go and get some sunshine. Oh, and if you insist on watching F**tball, then why not catch a match while you're over there.
Pint of beer at a pub - £3
Alternatives
Poptastic
£4.99 from Iwantoneofthose.com
This gadget recreates the greatest feeling in the world - the experience of popping bubble wrap! Sure to give at least 90 minutes of entertainment.
Gladiator DVD
£2.99 from Play.com
One of the greatest films of all time. Aurelius Maximus is unlikely to limp off after ten minutes with a slight groin strain.
15 minute workouts for dummies
£2.99, Play.com
Get out of the pub and do some exercise. It may even improve your 5 a side skills!
Days Twenty Four & Twenty Five - 19th and 20th December
I remember saying when I first started this project that only the most desperate of situations would make me turn to rugby. But I awake on Saturday feeling more in need of football than ever before. I just feel the need to watch five minutes of Football Focus or Soccer Saturday. Desperate times call for desperate measures. My only option is to turn to football's dreaded egg shaped cousin.
Bath versus Sale is the chosen match for my first full on rugger experience. I have watched Six Nations matches in the past, but that is about the scale of my interest in rugby. Indeed, when my mum tried to buy me a Wales rugby top for my 5th birthday, she was told by the assistant 'that I would never be big enough to get a rugby shirt to fit me'. My name is Gareth Iwan Jones though and I am determined to prove them wrong by harking back to the oval traditions of the land of my father.
Within the first few minutes, Sale take the lead through a try from Luke McAllister. There are two yellow cards early doors and it is certainly a feisty affair. Bath fight back though, and go in 13-12 up at half time.
The second half isn't as exciting as the initial period and the only event is a second try by former England winger Mark Cueto. This disappoints me as I have backed Bath. But my boys fight back and a last second try gives us a 24-20 victory. I praise the name of Matt Banahan, and I am generally ecstatic with the victory. Rugby has given me the closest thing that you can get to the rush of someone from my team scoring a last minute goal.
In reflection, I conclude that the reason I enjoyed this match so much was that it reminded me of football. If I became a rugby fan, I'm sure that I would still be the same bitter frustrated person that I was before this experiment started. Rugby players are arguably more admirable than modern day footballers, but I'm sure that they would be able to piss me off in a different way. I am beginning to accept that I am stuck with football for life. Like an alcoholic, the only way I would be able to give up football is by staying away from anything that reminds me of it. I decide that rugby is not the new hobby for me.
Bath versus Sale is the chosen match for my first full on rugger experience. I have watched Six Nations matches in the past, but that is about the scale of my interest in rugby. Indeed, when my mum tried to buy me a Wales rugby top for my 5th birthday, she was told by the assistant 'that I would never be big enough to get a rugby shirt to fit me'. My name is Gareth Iwan Jones though and I am determined to prove them wrong by harking back to the oval traditions of the land of my father.
Within the first few minutes, Sale take the lead through a try from Luke McAllister. There are two yellow cards early doors and it is certainly a feisty affair. Bath fight back though, and go in 13-12 up at half time.
The second half isn't as exciting as the initial period and the only event is a second try by former England winger Mark Cueto. This disappoints me as I have backed Bath. But my boys fight back and a last second try gives us a 24-20 victory. I praise the name of Matt Banahan, and I am generally ecstatic with the victory. Rugby has given me the closest thing that you can get to the rush of someone from my team scoring a last minute goal.
In reflection, I conclude that the reason I enjoyed this match so much was that it reminded me of football. If I became a rugby fan, I'm sure that I would still be the same bitter frustrated person that I was before this experiment started. Rugby players are arguably more admirable than modern day footballers, but I'm sure that they would be able to piss me off in a different way. I am beginning to accept that I am stuck with football for life. Like an alcoholic, the only way I would be able to give up football is by staying away from anything that reminds me of it. I decide that rugby is not the new hobby for me.
Monday 22 December 2008
Days Twenty Two & Twenty Three - 17th and 18th December
This being the most wonderful time of the year and all, I decide that getting my Christmas shopping done early is a perfect way of spending time that I normally would watching football. But the ban presents a few problems. Normally I would buy at least a few presents that are football related for people. For example, football shirts are normally what I would buy my little cousins. But since I can't buy them then I have to come up with alternative ideas. This takes me an extremely long time, and I eventually opt for a book and pair of pyjamas. This is clearly proof that football affects all areas of my life. In the end, the xmas shopping experience isn't too painful and I'm glad to have got it out of the way earlier than normal. Nevertheless, I can't help but fear that this ban is making me less popular with my family and friends.
Days Twenty & Twenty One - 15th and 16th December
Half way there! Bar a few tough times, the last twenty days have actually went by pretty quickly. The next twenty though will bring a whole range of new challenges. For example: the transfer window reopening, an Old Firm derby, countless Premiership matches and the general madness that accompanies the festive footballing season.
The twentieth day is marked by me going to the Evening Times for work experience. I decide not to tell anyone at the paper about my scheme as I don't have the energy to explain the whole thing. Initially, there doesn't seem to be too many obstacles in the office to prevent me from viewing football. I have to ensure that I don't read the backpages of the paper. But on the whole, I'm glad to be being kept busy for the week.
The twentieth day is marked by me going to the Evening Times for work experience. I decide not to tell anyone at the paper about my scheme as I don't have the energy to explain the whole thing. Initially, there doesn't seem to be too many obstacles in the office to prevent me from viewing football. I have to ensure that I don't read the backpages of the paper. But on the whole, I'm glad to be being kept busy for the week.
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Days Eighteen & Nineteen - 13th and 14th December
Following my Xmas night out, I awake on the Saturday morning not in the mood for football. In fact, I am not actually in the mood for anything. Maybe it's drinking I should be giving up for forty days? (I actually gave up drink for three months last year and it wasnt that difficult.) Football though is a different kettle of fish. If you want to avoid drink, you just don't go to pubs or off licences. But football is everywhere. My major challenge of the day is to resist the temptation to play the new Football Manager game that my brother has bought. Some of my greatest achievements in life have taken place in this game. I've taken Scotland to the World Cup semi finals, lead Celtic to their second European cup, even taken Grimsby into Europe. Countless hours of my life have been dedicated to this game. But the whole living without football thing has made me think more about FM. It is just a game. Indeed, football is just a game. Why has it become an obssession? Why can I not go a day without thinking thoughts like, 'I wonder who would win in a match between the '98 France team and Maradona's '86 Argentine team'? Why does this game give me mood swings that play a major role in my life?
I decide to stop thinking about this game, and instead turn my mind to a far more intellectual challenge - chess. After reading the rules of chess on wikipedia, I attempt to take on an electronic Russian master. Whatever I seem to doleads to failure. I spend four hours attempting to beat this computer, but don't get past his pawns. I feel like a sunday league striker facing Fabio Cannavaro. In the end, I just get frustrated that I can't flip the electronic chess board. I go to bed pissed off and still mooting whether or Diego or Zinedine would have came out on top.
I decide to stop thinking about this game, and instead turn my mind to a far more intellectual challenge - chess. After reading the rules of chess on wikipedia, I attempt to take on an electronic Russian master. Whatever I seem to doleads to failure. I spend four hours attempting to beat this computer, but don't get past his pawns. I feel like a sunday league striker facing Fabio Cannavaro. In the end, I just get frustrated that I can't flip the electronic chess board. I go to bed pissed off and still mooting whether or Diego or Zinedine would have came out on top.
Monday 15 December 2008
Days Sixteen & Seventeen - 11th and 12th December
I am beginning to reflect more and more about football. Why did I fall out with football? Well I think a lot of it has to do with the modern game. I find the Premiership montonous. Everyone is so obssessed with money now, the Man City situation has proved that the game is all about money. I decide that the best way to express my feelings is to get something down on paper. I came up with this poem, and it may be the first of many pieces that I produce focusing on my relationship with the beautiful game.
The King of Africa
So talented
As strong as an ox
A predator in the box
One hundred and twenty grand a week
Part of an exclusive clique
Yet you bitch and moan
With Mourinho on the phone
Follow a 25 yard drive
With a ridiculous dive
You have everything, but your never happy
Didier Drogba – the modern footballer
And self proclaimed King of Africa
The King of Africa
So talented
As strong as an ox
A predator in the box
One hundred and twenty grand a week
Part of an exclusive clique
Yet you bitch and moan
With Mourinho on the phone
Follow a 25 yard drive
With a ridiculous dive
You have everything, but your never happy
Didier Drogba – the modern footballer
And self proclaimed King of Africa
Sunday 14 December 2008
Days Fourteen & Fifteen - 9th and 10th December
After the Sex and the City marathon, I decide for my own self esteem and to quieten those that think the ban will change my sexuality, I decide to do something much more masculine. I try lifting weights, but I get depressed when I struggle to lift 30kilos and my arms hurt like hell. I decide to sooth the pain by drinking six cans of stout, which makes me feel bloated and gives me a massive hamgover the next day. I decide that although I like football and I am not afeminate, I am most certainly not a macho man. I find my happy medium by watching the Sopranos season one boxset.
Days Twelve & Thirteen - 8th and 9th December
In this period I try to substitute watching football by watching something that is the complete opposite of the sport. After several hours of thinking, I come up with the ultimate anti-football programme- Sex and the City. Noone that watches Sex and the City like football! I decide that to achieve the maximum viewing pleasure, I am going to watch SatC exactly the same way as I would watch a match. With the average episode of the show lasting thirty minutes I plan I'll need to watch three of them to make up the time I'd spend watching footy.
The 'game' starts with a monologue from Carrie. Its not exactly a thrilling start, but I can draw similarities between it and the first ten minutes of an SPL game. 25 minutes in, Samantha is the first to score (away from home with a fireman). Carrie goes close with a politician but at half time the Sex and the City side are only 1-0 up. I try having a Martini and bagel at half time to supplement the regular pie and bovril. Overall the taste is good, but it would not warm you up at half time at a match at Firhill.
Early into the second half, Carrie finally puts away one of her chances against the politician and puts the girls two up. Samantha adds a quick third to the lead (this time with a short man). Ten minutes from time and the legal Samantha completes her hattrick, getting the better of a masseuse. Full time 4-0 and a resounding win for the SatC girls.
Overall, I have to admit the Sex and the City experience wasn't as bad as I first feared. This leaves me to question whether or not this experience has made me less masculine. I decide not to contemplate this issue and instead have another Martini.
For fun, I decide to compare SatC characters to footballers.
Carrie Bradshaw is David Beckham
A classy ball player who looks good on and off the pitch. Bradshaw is the leader of the Sex and the City side and can inspire her teammates with moments of inspiration. Not a consistent scorer, but comes through with spectacular goals rather than tap ins. Loves fashion labels and probably wears similar types of underwear to Becks!
Samantha Jones is Ruud van Nistelrooy
Not pretty but still scores every week. Samantha can score all sorts of goals, and is always focused on her next target. Not always popular with fans or teammates, but Samantha always delivers. Prolific and often willing to go to extents that others aren't in order to secure the win.
Charlotte York is Juan Roman Riquelme
Dainty Charlotte is by far the classiest member of the SatC side. Always concentrated on what she wants, Charlotte always make clear what she wants from her teammates. Has made wrong moves in the past, but likely to be remembered fondly by many.
Miranda Hobbes is Paul Scholes
A fiery ginger who often flies into the tackle. Miranda is quieter than some of her teammates, but has intelligence on her side. Never lets the side down. Age may be catching up with her but still a regular in the side.
The 'game' starts with a monologue from Carrie. Its not exactly a thrilling start, but I can draw similarities between it and the first ten minutes of an SPL game. 25 minutes in, Samantha is the first to score (away from home with a fireman). Carrie goes close with a politician but at half time the Sex and the City side are only 1-0 up. I try having a Martini and bagel at half time to supplement the regular pie and bovril. Overall the taste is good, but it would not warm you up at half time at a match at Firhill.
Early into the second half, Carrie finally puts away one of her chances against the politician and puts the girls two up. Samantha adds a quick third to the lead (this time with a short man). Ten minutes from time and the legal Samantha completes her hattrick, getting the better of a masseuse. Full time 4-0 and a resounding win for the SatC girls.
Overall, I have to admit the Sex and the City experience wasn't as bad as I first feared. This leaves me to question whether or not this experience has made me less masculine. I decide not to contemplate this issue and instead have another Martini.
For fun, I decide to compare SatC characters to footballers.
Carrie Bradshaw is David Beckham
A classy ball player who looks good on and off the pitch. Bradshaw is the leader of the Sex and the City side and can inspire her teammates with moments of inspiration. Not a consistent scorer, but comes through with spectacular goals rather than tap ins. Loves fashion labels and probably wears similar types of underwear to Becks!
Samantha Jones is Ruud van Nistelrooy
Not pretty but still scores every week. Samantha can score all sorts of goals, and is always focused on her next target. Not always popular with fans or teammates, but Samantha always delivers. Prolific and often willing to go to extents that others aren't in order to secure the win.
Charlotte York is Juan Roman Riquelme
Dainty Charlotte is by far the classiest member of the SatC side. Always concentrated on what she wants, Charlotte always make clear what she wants from her teammates. Has made wrong moves in the past, but likely to be remembered fondly by many.
Miranda Hobbes is Paul Scholes
A fiery ginger who often flies into the tackle. Miranda is quieter than some of her teammates, but has intelligence on her side. Never lets the side down. Age may be catching up with her but still a regular in the side.
Tuesday 9 December 2008
Days Eleven and Twelve - 6th and 7th December
I decide to go for a different technique to tackle Super Sunday this weekend. Avoidance of this will involve complete restructuring of the day. So I decide to turn my day upside down. Therefore I will began the day with what I would normally do just before I go to bed and work backwards as the day progresses.
I start the day with a few beers and watching a movie in bed. I then have a curry like I would normally have for dinner and by 11am I am feeling pretty sick. I then go into Uni and do a bit of a catch up work. Even though I am not full, I have lunch while in town and then attempt to go for my morning run at 6pm. This fails due to the amount I have eaten. I settle down to the morning papers, eat some cereal and settle down to bed.
Although I did successfully avoid seeing any football on this day, turning the day upside makes me feel terrible. I even get a kind of jet lag-esque feeling the next day.
I start the day with a few beers and watching a movie in bed. I then have a curry like I would normally have for dinner and by 11am I am feeling pretty sick. I then go into Uni and do a bit of a catch up work. Even though I am not full, I have lunch while in town and then attempt to go for my morning run at 6pm. This fails due to the amount I have eaten. I settle down to the morning papers, eat some cereal and settle down to bed.
Although I did successfully avoid seeing any football on this day, turning the day upside makes me feel terrible. I even get a kind of jet lag-esque feeling the next day.
Day Ten - 5th December
Today was a bizarre day, and I'm now convinced the footballing gods are out to get me. Every since I started the ban I have been seeing extraordinary amounts of footballers in day to day life situations. In the last week, I have sat beside Derek McInnes (St Johnstone manager & ex-Rangers midfielder) in a pub, seen Stephen Pearson (Derby & Scotland midfielder) in a shopping centre and queued behind Glenn Loovens (Celtic defender) in the supermarket. But today topped it all when Rangers' Portuguese playmaker Pedro Mendes approached me and asked for directions to a lawyers office. I pretended I had no idea who he was and told him I didn't know where the office was. in truth I avoided listening to him. It's a conspiracy, I'm sure of it.
Saturday 6 December 2008
Days Eight & Nine - 3rd and 4th December
Again, due to the amount of work I had on these two days were generally uneventful. I did read on a newspaper stand that Roy Keane had been sacked from Sunderland, and I wonder who they will get to replace him. I reckon candidates must include Avram Grant, Allardyce and maybe somebody weird like Rijkaard. Anyhoo, my musings are getting me close to breaking the ban.
In the pub on Wednesday night, I almost glance at the screen when breaking news appears on a Sky Sports News Update. This is greeted with a chorus of 'Don't Look!' from two of my friends who are there. Hence, I manage to abstain from football although I am no wiser to learning who is the next Sunderland manager. I go home and attempt house gymnastics (www.housegymnastics.com) which is fun but it doesn't really relax me so I then try some Tai Chi. Keano's probably meditating as I speak.
In the pub on Wednesday night, I almost glance at the screen when breaking news appears on a Sky Sports News Update. This is greeted with a chorus of 'Don't Look!' from two of my friends who are there. Hence, I manage to abstain from football although I am no wiser to learning who is the next Sunderland manager. I go home and attempt house gymnastics (www.housegymnastics.com) which is fun but it doesn't really relax me so I then try some Tai Chi. Keano's probably meditating as I speak.
Thursday 4 December 2008
Days Six & Seven - 1st and 2nd December 2008
NOTE: Due to the sheer workload I have on for the next week or so, blogs might be less regular.
One week down, six more to go. I awake on the Monday feeling more confident than in previous days. I decide that I am going to learn a minority language. My choice is Catalan, it might be useful at the Nou Camp once my ban ends. Due to the amount of work I have on, these days are relatively stress free in relation to football. I do find out my first result since I started when someone inadvertently mentions in a text that Burnley beat Arsenal in the League Cup.
Cup upsets are one of the reasons I love football so much. I think of when Chesterfield played Middlesbrough and when Roy Essandoh scored for Wycombe in the FA Cup. For the first time I feel like I am missing out on something. By the end of this ban, the Scottish and FA Cup third rounds will be over and I will have potentially missed the great shocks of the season. I bury my head in a Catalan language book and convince myself that there will be no upsets.
One week down, six more to go. I awake on the Monday feeling more confident than in previous days. I decide that I am going to learn a minority language. My choice is Catalan, it might be useful at the Nou Camp once my ban ends. Due to the amount of work I have on, these days are relatively stress free in relation to football. I do find out my first result since I started when someone inadvertently mentions in a text that Burnley beat Arsenal in the League Cup.
Cup upsets are one of the reasons I love football so much. I think of when Chesterfield played Middlesbrough and when Roy Essandoh scored for Wycombe in the FA Cup. For the first time I feel like I am missing out on something. By the end of this ban, the Scottish and FA Cup third rounds will be over and I will have potentially missed the great shocks of the season. I bury my head in a Catalan language book and convince myself that there will be no upsets.
Tuesday 2 December 2008
Day Five - 30th November 2008
Wake up on what is normally 'Super Sunday'. Several plans I have to get involved in exciting activities fall through. One of my suggestions for today was 'Trannyoke' (Karaoke for Transvestites) but I can't muster up the confidence to go to something extreme this early on in the experiment. I spend the afternoon searching for anything to do. I text one of my friends saying I'm bored, and get the reply "It's your own f**king fault!" I get slightly depressed that football seems to play such a pivotal role in my social life. My sour mood is worsened by the fact that I know Arsenal - Chelsea is on at 4pm.
I think about how my relationship with football started, how did we manage to get here? How did something so beautiful cause me so much pain? My love affair with football began in the mid nineties. My earliest footballing memories are of Scotland trouncing San Marino, Pierre van Hoojidonk scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup Final, going to Firhill to watch Partick Thistle and my little cousin falling asleep for the entirety of a 0-0 Queens Park versus Albion Rovers thriller. Good times, but has this nostalgia clouded my realistic expectations of how good football can be?
I resist the urge to give in to my romantic urges, and instead fully commit myself to thinking about more ambitious schemes to fill the next forty five days...
I think about how my relationship with football started, how did we manage to get here? How did something so beautiful cause me so much pain? My love affair with football began in the mid nineties. My earliest footballing memories are of Scotland trouncing San Marino, Pierre van Hoojidonk scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup Final, going to Firhill to watch Partick Thistle and my little cousin falling asleep for the entirety of a 0-0 Queens Park versus Albion Rovers thriller. Good times, but has this nostalgia clouded my realistic expectations of how good football can be?
I resist the urge to give in to my romantic urges, and instead fully commit myself to thinking about more ambitious schemes to fill the next forty five days...
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