Football Is Broken, How WE Can Save It

[Carlton Blade]

I sort of feel I haven't got the energy to consider the changes proposed by Micky. I know that's defeatist. But, cards on the table, I just can't see any of the ownership model bit happening.

The regulating (for eg home grown players) may come via the Independent Regulator route.

As a country, we still pursue the Neo Liberal dream. And, as a country, we see little failures of that every day in the news. Meaning we pursue the Neo Liberal dream a bit harder every day.

Personally, I find it easy to put ALL the noise surrounding football and my club out of my mind. As stuff I can't impact. And concentrate on the kicky ball. As I say - defeatist in a way.

As much as the suggestions in the book are worthy goals, none of them tackle the issue that there are millions of people who want to watch football on the telly, and for that football to be glamourous and for the players involved to be the best in the world. His proposals would only work if there was almost a separate game. One for the telly and one for the people who go to the games.

 

[Overthehills]

I just happen to be of the opinion that when it comes to the content creators, the best ones always seem to be the ones who attend the matches, and are a familiar face amongst the support base, rather than the ones who are getting their faces everywhere and their content appears to more about self publication than the subject they are producing content about.

See also Blades Ramble

But that would be your own opinion and preferences, as opposed to the general consensus.

Each content creator / channel has adapted their own approach towards the media that they produce and each creator / channel has their own ambition. For instance Jimmy stood by his paywall for his content and outlined how he hoped to turn a hobby into a full time salaried career.

But regardless of whether paid or free, ultimately following is optional. Nobody holds you at ransom to watch or support any particular channel. I am sure however that those who don’t like SUW will have jumped straight in for free when they had such fantastic content as the Dane Whitehouse interview etc.

I don’t believe that anyone should be verbally attacked for creating content however. As said above it is strictly optional viewing / following regardless.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

As much as the suggestions in the book are worthy goals, none of them tackle the issue that there are millions of people who want to watch football on the telly, and for that football to be glamourous and for the players involved to be the best in the world. His proposals would only work if there was almost a separate game. One for the telly and one for the people who go to the games.

I can sound pompous at times. So I'm now going to say something pompous. And finish it by saying - I don't mean that to sound pompous.

The danger is we create a market, a TV market, an overseas market, an armchair market which is not interested in "football". But only interested in "the stars", in "the show". And, we develop that market until it's so huge, so financially important, that it wags the dog.

As you say, Carlton Blade, one game for the TV. Staged games, choreographed games, entertainment games, controversy built in, narrative games, predictable games, car chases, the hero gets the girl, the villain is redeemed in the final frame, good ref/bad ref.

I don't mean that to sound pompous.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I often muse about jeopardy as the way to a sustainable game.

From a distance, it seems ludicrous that a club can run up large debts, not be able to pay players, not be able to pay agreed transfer fees (eg Sheffield United), not be able to pay Tax, not be able to pay people who have painted the car park gates. And go bust, go bankrupt, cease to be able to trade, go into administration...

And then. Just come back a week later to play Stoke City (or similar) in the same division, with the same income streams locked in.

You go bust mate, you can't pay your bills, you're in administration, here's the application form for the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League. See if they'll have you. As, obvs, you can't stay in The EFL. You've fucked that.

That'd soon liven up a few clubs to think about how they want to be run. And what dream they want to chase.

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

The danger is we create a market, a TV market, an overseas market, an armchair market which is not interested in "football". But only interested in "the stars", in "the show". And, we develop that market until it's so huge, so financially important, that it wags the dog.

Quite possible to argue that we’re some way down that road already.

 

[Carlton Blade]

I can sound pompous at times. So I'm now going to say something pompous. And finish it by saying - I don't mean that to sound pompous.

The danger is we create a market, a TV market, an overseas market, an armchair market which is not interested in "football". But only interested in "the stars", in "the show". And, we develop that market until it's so huge, so financially important, that it wags the dog.

As you say, Carlton Blade, one game for the TV. Staged games, choreographed games, entertainment games, controversy built in, narrative games, predictable games, car chases, the hero gets the girl, the villain is redeemed in the final frame, good ref/bad ref.

I don't mean that to sound pompous.

I think that we've already created that market. My problem with all these ideas for how to change it doesn't take into account the fact that the vast majority of revenue comes from the people who specifically don't want any of the things the author is suggesting. They want to maximise revenue through increasing viewership and there's little evidence that making the game sustainable all the way down the pyramid does that. Anyone expecting to lean on the consciences of billionaire owners for hand outs needs to go for a lie down.

Take the "fund grass roots" idea. Where does that money come from?

 

[Sean Thornton]

I often muse about jeopardy as the way to a sustainable game.

From a distance, it seems ludicrous that a club can run up large debts, not be able to pay players, not be able to pay agreed transfer fees (eg Sheffield United), not be able to pay Tax, not be able to pay people who have painted the car park gates. And go bust, go bankrupt, cease to be able to trade, go into administration...

And then. Just come back a week later to play Stoke City (or similar) in the same division, with the same income streams locked in.

You go bust mate, you can't pay your bills, you're in administration, here's the application form for the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League. See if they'll have you. As, obvs, you can't stay in The EFL. You've fucked that.

That'd soon liven up a few clubs to think about how they want to be run. And what dream they want to chase.

Which clubs actually went bankrupt then came back as you describe?

 

[bornablade]

The idea of having a certain number of players in a match day team who are born within a certain radius of the ground does create an imbalance.

Probably half the catchment area for a club like Brighton is the English channel.

(They may end up including any births on the 'boats')

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Which clubs actually went bankrupt then came back as you describe?

Sorry, I was painting a picture. I'm aware there are technical and legal definitions. To me, as a layperson, entering administration means the business, the club, doesn't work. That was all I meant.

We have a system that can reward risk if it succeeds - the PL Money. But doesn't punish it too much if it falls to shit. Can't pay - no drama, administration and Stoke away.

 

[Sean Thornton]

But that would be your own opinion and preferences, as opposed to the general consensus.

Each content creator / channel has adapted their own approach towards the media that they produce and each creator / channel has their own ambition. For instance Jimmy stood by his paywall for his content and outlined how he hoped to turn a hobby into a full time salaried career.

But regardless of whether paid or free, ultimately following is optional. Nobody holds you at ransom to watch or support any particular channel. I am sure however that those who don’t like SUW will have jumped straight in for free when they had such fantastic content as the Dane Whitehouse interview etc.

I don’t believe that anyone should be verbally attacked for creating content however. As said above it is strictly optional viewing / following regardless.

But that doesn’t mean opinions unpopular to some, even the majority, shouldn’t be aired.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Sorry, I was painting a picture. I'm aware there are technical and legal definitions. To me, as a layperson, entering administration means the business, the club, doesn't work. That was all I meant.

We have a system that can reward risk if it succeeds - the PL Money. But doesn't punish it too much if it falls to shit. Can't pay - no drama, administration and Stoke away.

Fair enough but the reality these days is that the ones who suffer these days are the suppliers to the club. Yes, the owners lose out but that’s the risk they take. Other Clubs who are owed money are pretty much secure.

 

[tyneblade]

I often muse about jeopardy as the way to a sustainable game.

From a distance, it seems ludicrous that a club can run up large debts, not be able to pay players, not be able to pay agreed transfer fees (eg Sheffield United), not be able to pay Tax, not be able to pay people who have painted the car park gates. And go bust, go bankrupt, cease to be able to trade, go into administration...

And then. Just come back a week later to play Stoke City (or similar) in the same division, with the same income streams locked in.

You go bust mate, you can't pay your bills, you're in administration, here's the application form for the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League. See if they'll have you. As, obvs, you can't stay in The EFL. You've fucked that.

That'd soon liven up a few clubs to think about how they want to be run. And what dream they want to chase.

That's always been my thought too. If there was some real existential jeopardy in financial mismanagement, the agents crawling all over football would turn into all the police force you'd ever need.

 

[mancunianblade]

I dont think there is a majority appetite to change the game, and in order to do so you would need FIFA to implement it and punish organisations that dont adhere to the new rules.

MLS is also a terrible example to use. It may appear fair from the outside with wage caps and drafts but all the wage cap does is encourage teams to overspend on marquee players and underpay squad players. I worked with NYCFC once upon a time and I was told from someone at the club that the standard of players in the fringes was lower than what could be found in the city, but the wage of a fringe player was too low for the Colombian janitor to even consider

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Fair enough but the reality these days is that the ones who suffer these days are the suppliers to the club. Yes, the owners lose out but that’s the risk they take. Other Clubs who are owed money are pretty much secure.

Understood. But, returning to the theme of the Video. I'll take your word. Only the suppliers to the club suffer FINANCIALLY. But football suffers as a whole, as a collective, as a sport. Maybe not financially, in the accounting sense. But in the sporting sense.

Is that what we wanted, is that how we envisage it? Do what you fucking want with the money, spend it on any old shit, don't pay your bills, and it'll all be OK. Because we'll do some paperwork and it's Stoke away next week.

There is little jeopardy. There is little incentive to run sustainably.

 

[Northyorksblade]

If you are promoting anything it’s yourself and your media career.

Harsh

 

[Northyorksblade]

I just happen to be of the opinion that when it comes to the content creators, the best ones always seem to be the ones who attend the matches, and are a familiar face amongst the support base, rather than the ones who are getting their faces everywhere and their content appears to more about self publication than the subject they are producing content about.

See also Blades Ramble

He is a familiar face!

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

Nationalise Football. That's the suggestion made in the video.

It's an interesting idea but I'd like us to prioritise nationalising utilities, trains and dare I say it... housing, before taking up government time with this.

 

[Ned the Donkey]

Millions of people are watching football therefore everything is great seems to me a lot like saying Millions of people are obese therefore the food must be amazing.

I’m not sure there’s the, er, appetite for any sort of fix while so many of us are so gleefully stuffing our faces, but it's good to see some people think there might just be a problem and are at least putting some thought into possible solutions.


Go on. Just one more Europa Conference League game. It's waffer theeeen.

 

[Overthehills]

But that doesn’t mean opinions unpopular to some, even the majority, shouldn’t be aired.

Of course opinions should be aired, that after all is what freedom of speech is all about. But do opinions have to become personal?

 

[Booker4]

This Is How We Can CHANGE Football Forever​

I genuinely believe that this could be THE single most important football idea floated in recent years. Micky P Kerr has come up with a concept for changing football for a better, fairer and more sustainable future, for all.


If we all get behind this idea then the entire landscape could be transformed and discussions, with multiple pages on threads about new owners and how much cash they have and whether they actually care, will be a thing of the past.



VIDEO




AUDIO

You can listen anywhere you get podcasts just search 'Sheff United Way' or direct links:

Spotify https://spoti.fi/2Wus1Hi
Apple https://apple.co/3DjI4IJ

Looks interesting, I'll definitely give it a watch. Something is desperately needed for sure to the current model of billionaire owners required.

 

[vas borbokis]

I think it's a good thought provoking listen.
In 30 to 40 years we've gone from a position where anyone could get into the top league and have some success in cups etc, to a position where outside of say 6 clubs you're winning absolutely nothing. Ever again.
The game was stolen. Nationalising it wouldn't cost the earth. Relative peanuts and could easily be self funding actually. Wage caps squad number caps player development requirements all these things could level the field and bring back some hope for fans of all those other non top 6 teams up and down the country.
Count me in!

 

[Cappy]

Just out of interest. When was the last time you attended a Sheffield United match?

Please nobody tell zipwire that I once lived overseas for 11 years and didn't return to the UK once in that time, and in 2026 am moving again, and only planning to return for an occasional funeral. I wouldn't want him/her to call me out for a lack of bladeyness

 

[Cappy]

You can DM these unrelated queries and I'll happily answer all your questions about me but I'd rather keep this important debate on topic. I'm on this video for about 2 minutes, it's all about the subject not me.

You used to (inaccurate) get grief for not attending games even when you lived here ah well, people love to have a go.

Good vid, as always, and very interesting concept. I have pre-ordered the book as I am sceptical about the realities, so look forward to reading more of the detail as I'm sure my thoughts will be covered. Cheers

 

[biggiesablade]

Please nobody tell zipwire that I once lived overseas for 11 years and didn't return to the UK once in that time, and in 2026 am moving again, and only planning to return for an occasional funeral. I wouldn't want him/her to call me out for a lack of bladeyness

Stop being a shit blade

 

[Lama]

Having listened, I must say we can't do anything - the government could spend billions to privatise the industry if they have the appetite.

The guest seemed to think getting elected was pretty easy, I’ll have to take his word on that one.

To top it off, the solution to one of the biggest stains on our game today; gambling - we should apparently start our own bookies.

Ultimately a worthy subject, with a not so well thought out solution, in this case.

 

[Nedski]

Please nobody tell zipwire that I once lived overseas for 11 years and didn't return to the UK once in that time, and in 2026 am moving again, and only planning to return for an occasional funeral. I wouldn't want him/her to call me out for a lack of bladeyness

And definitely don't tell him I wasn't born in Sheffield and I've never even lived within 200 miles of Bramall Lane.

 

[Zipwire]

"I choose not to watch SUW" yet you reference the Anel and Prince videos, and now you're on a thread clearly started by Hal and clearly referencing a new video. Are you OK?

As for your other points, the question about him attending games screams "I'M A BIGGER BLADE THAN YOU PAL" which is pathetic and embarrassing. Grow up. The SUW lads clearly spend a lot of time researching and discussing all things Sheffield United, I'm not sure how Hal attending games makes any difference whatsoever.

And so what if it helps his media career? Media is his job and he's applying his skills learnt from that to his passion. I can't understand how you've managed to find something to moan about. Do it better than Hal or piss off, it's simple.

Anyway back in topic, I'll listen to the podcast version on my commute tomorrow

The question about him attending games was pertinent as he likes to present himself as the authority on all things Sheffield United as a big of a spokesman for the Blades, when in reality the only game that he attended over the last few years was when the Prince gave him and Nick corporate tickets for the Wembley semi and in return they gave him an absolute free hit after the sales of Ndiaye and Berge when there was big questions to be asked at the time. Hence why they got the gig when he needed to speak to the fans rather than via the means of a sport journalist who wouldn’t have given him an easy ride.

I’m not arsed about people going to games or not, and I know plenty of people who can’t attend games for whatever reason and that definitely doesn’t mean that I’m a bigger Blade than them, but I’d expect that someone who has positioned themselves as an unofficial spokesperson for the fans would actually attend a game once in a while and have his finger on the pulse with what was happening within the rank and file who do turn up every week

 

[Northyorksblade]

The question about him attending games was pertinent as he likes to present himself as the authority on all things Sheffield United as a big of a spokesman for the Blades, when in reality the only game that he attended over the last few years was when the Prince gave him and Nick corporate tickets for the Wembley semi and in return they gave him an absolute free hit after the sales of Ndiaye and Berge when there was big questions to be asked at the time. Hence why they got the gig when he needed to speak to the fans rather than via the means of a sport journalist who wouldn’t have given him an easy ride.

I’m not arsed about people going to games or not, and I know plenty of people who can’t attend games for whatever reason and that definitely doesn’t mean that I’m a bigger Blade than them, but I’d expect that someone who has positioned themselves as an unofficial spokesperson for the fans would actually attend a game once in a while and have his finger on the pulse with what was happening within the rank and file who do turn up every week

What a load of twaddle. Seriously, what's your beef? Because it's getting very personal.

 

[YorkBlade]

The question about him attending games was pertinent as he likes to present himself as the authority on all things Sheffield United as a big of a spokesman for the Blades, when in reality the only game that he attended over the last few years was when the Prince gave him and Nick corporate tickets for the Wembley semi and in return they gave him an absolute free hit after the sales of Ndiaye and Berge when there was big questions to be asked at the time. Hence why they got the gig when he needed to speak to the fans rather than via the means of a sport journalist who wouldn’t have given him an easy ride.

I’m not arsed about people going to games or not, and I know plenty of people who can’t attend games for whatever reason and that definitely doesn’t mean that I’m a bigger Blade than them, but I’d expect that someone who has positioned themselves as an unofficial spokesperson for the fans would actually attend a game once in a while and have his finger on the pulse with what was happening within the rank and file who do turn up every week

I would never dream of describing myself as a spokesman for the Blades. I consider myself a presenter. I try to get the opinions of others on screen as much as possible.

I have NEVER accepted free corporate tickets from the Prince for ANY game.

I think we gave the Prince a fair crack considering it was on a fan channel, I'd have done it differently if I was interviewing him on a radio station or in-print media but it's a fan channel, for free, for the fans, run by the fans, we invited him on, we asked questions from you (the fellow fan) and I do recall actually pushing back on several things. I think I asked why he didn't fly to meet Ndiaye personally to persuade him to stay. I asked him to speak to the local journalists, for example.
It was done before we sold Berge, so that is also incorrect.
The owner doesn't NEED to speak to the fans, you are possibly sounding a bit entitled there, hardly any football club owners speak to fans.


I do attend games once in a while, it costs me a lot (as it did when I drove from Buckinghamshire for 12 years for every game). I don't advertise my attendance (that will not change). I went to several games last and I have been back this season.

I watch EVERY Blades match when I'm in Cyprus and haven't missed a minute, it is actually easier to watch every second since I left the country, a decision I regret less and less with each passing day.

I would politely ask that you please stop hijacking this thread.

 

[Nedski]

The question about him attending games was pertinent as he likes to present himself as the authority on all things Sheffield United as a big of a spokesman for the Blades