Angry Fans

In the middle of international week the Examiner’s football correspondent Liam Mackey reflects on the state of the nation after the draw with Germany and ahead of the rematch with Cyprus and also takes a look at the resumption of the Premier League campaign. You’re all exercised by the future of the Irish game and the forthcoming Drogs v Cork game but there are views, also, on English football (and rugby!) supporters; Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry; Avram Grant’s ability to count up to ten; the Merseyside derby and what it might mean for Benitez; whether United might be persuaded to spend big on Drogba and a rallying call for Martin Jol.

Letter of the week goes to Declan O’Donovan for comments on Steve Staunton. Send us your address Declan and we’ll send out your prize as quick as you can say Jack Charlton.

I CAN’T help but notice the rising tide of tedium seeping into the game which I have loved since I was introduced to a football. This mysterious round thing that gave enormous pleasure when I kicked it has affected millions if not billions of people in roughly the same way. It pains me to watch it being abused by overpaid, over rated, under skilled “langers” week in week out. Maybe the game has changed. The emphasis on cautious rubbish rather than playing the game with imagination and flair. But who wants to pay £30-£50 to watch paint dry. Surely a tin of paint would be cheaper?