Getting Back to Basics

And so, it all begins again.

Fourteen blissful weeks of contentment are soon to be replaced by the nine-month slog of frustration, despair and elation in varying quantities.
 
Over the past three months I have enthusiastically admired the fair play of golf and cricket, coupled with the raw determination for limited reward of athletes and swimmers. But the appreciation of those idealistic values will shortly fade again as i wholeheartedly throw my financial, emotional and vocal support behind the overpaid, over-rated and under-appreciative.
 
Does that sound bitter ? Perhaps, and I appreciate it is hardly a ringing endorsement of enthusiasm for the road ahead. Football has always been my passion, and Charlton has fast grown into becoming almost my religion. But that does not disguise the indifference i now feel towards the structure of the modern game, those that govern it, and those that compete at the highest level. And it would be churlish of me not to state that the recent demise and financial uncertainty at Charlton has equally clouded my enjoyment of the wider picture.
 
Whilst the top table now debate £80m transfer fees and potential earnings of £250k a week, the peasants out in the dimly-lit wings have been scrambling over the discarded scraps. Though the stark difference between the elite and the rest serves as a painful reminder of aspects of the game that have accelerated my disillusionment, ironically it is the lower end of the food chain that i naturally feel more realistically aligned to. The travesty is to reach such levels of comfort, it has taken a painfully grim road.
 
So what will the next nine months bring for me ?  Hopefully a reignition of my love of the beautiful game. Where i cast aside my concerns of greed and commercialism, and simply learn to enjoy again the skill, athleticism and ability of the top levels of the game.

And closer to home, to see Charlton once again in some form of progression, no matter how small the steps; To enjoy the energy and effervescence of young, home grown players such as Shelvey, Elliot, Solly, Basey and Tuna breaking through, and trying to establish themselves in the professional game; to see players in the twilight of their career such as Christian Dailly take on responsibility and become a committed, influential asset; to see players with undoubted natural ability such as Racon and Sam firmly establish themselves as key, recognised players of the team; to see a recognised goalscorer arrive or emerge, and provide the needed consistency at the top of the pitch.
 
But above all else, to see a group of individuals combining to provide a cohesive unit with a strong ethic. A team that works for each other, has no egos, and who approach games with not just the ability to outplay opposition, but a determination to outwork them as well.
 
No demands for mega-buck signings, an oil-rich backer or promotion at the first attempt. Just a rebuilding club, getting back to basics and giving their all for the shirt. Matters off the pitch will continue to remain a nervous concern, but it is what happens on that hallowed turf that impacts most on our emotions.
 
Come on you reds !

AFKA’s articles can also be found on the Evening Standard website http://londonfootball.standard.co.uk/charlton/

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Published:
8.7.09 / 2pm
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