I'm worth £150k a week…..honest!

Ok, here we go again. The turbulent rollercoaster known to many as 'the football season' is just about upon us, and with that comes the return of my weekly rant. Whilst the summer's seem to get shorter and wetter the stars of our working class game become more and more greedy and ultimately richer. When Frank Lampard asked for a 5 year deal on £140,000 a week did he not realise the country was experiencing financial meltdown, the likes of which have not been seen since the 70's and 80's?

Why is Lampard Jr any different to the honest, season ticket holing, paying punter? In some respects it's not always down to the players them selves. They're so far out of touch with the real world that most wouldn't have a clue about the price of a loaf of bread. Although strangely, Wayne Rooney's in touch with the price of a street corner lady!

If reports are to be believed then Chelski will chase down Kaka with a pocket full of Ruble's and make the world player of the year the highest paid footballer, at almost a Million pounds a month. So is this the time for the FA, UEFA, FIFA or indeed the government to put a holt to all this madness? Why should a player from the Ivory Coast demand over £100k a week when the majority of his home nation, where is idolised, live in squalor?

I'm not insisting that only footballers are guilty here, if I were a film critic then i would be asking why the latest 'big actor/actress' can justify earning up to £20m for a role in the latest block buster. The same motion takes to the waves of the world of musicians at this current time. "Please don't download our music illegally", why? You mean i should pay £14 for a cd and a plastic box worth £2.50 just so you and every one else in the gravy train can have their slice?

The reason I use footballers as my benchmark is because that's the topic i know best, another thing is this. If indeed Lampard, Kaka, Drogba, Adebayor or Mr no loyalty Ronaldo has a stinker of a game then they have absolutely no right to stand in front of a camera and say the fan's were "a little harsh on me, they shouldn't boo me". I'm afraid their very wrong. On that amount of money I want at least 35 goals and 90 minute's every week from you. I want personal appearances at charity events, sick children's wards, giving presents out whilst dressed as Santa Clause or even giving me a lift to the game when it's pouring down with rain on a cold Tuesday night in February.

Well I'm glad I got that off my chest. What have you done this summer?. Taken a holiday, entertained friends with a char grilled BBQ attempt, white water rafting in Doncaster!! Me, I decided to move house, all I'll say on that experience is "don't do it".

I watched most of the Euros, despite saying I wouldn't watch any due to our lack of involvement. I even found myself talking Spanish, eating paella and drinking San Miguel. I even tried to beat a donkey, but the people on Blackpool beach weren't impressed with that. Needless to say i was happy with the final outcome. Spain deserved their prize by playing football the way that god (Brian Clough) intended. Not a long ball in sight and I'm sure Fernando Torres will be in everyone's dream team this season?

Matters concerning the Red's

The game against Everton was a real pleasure to watch. Two teams who treated the match with ultimate respect, in fact the only sign this game was a friendly were the countless substitutions both sides made. Guy Moussi, Steven Hughes and Aaron Davies were all equally impressive whilst Cole Na Earnshaw stood shoulder to shoulder with Everton's experienced back line, well shoulder to waist for Earnie, but you see my point.

For me the game was about Lewis McGugan. When the youngster left the field, subbed off near the end, he was greeted with a standing ovation normally reserved for the likes of a a hat-trick scorer or Stuart Pearce. This show's the belief and love the Forest fans already have for a 19 year old from West Bridgeford.

Forest will have an up hill battle next season from start to end, not only ensuring a good finish in our first campaign back in the Championship but keeping hold of talent's such as McGugan. Impressive cameos from Joe Heath And James Reid prove that Forest's youngsters are determined to show Colin Calderwood that he doesn't need to scour the globe for additions to his squad.

The signings of Garner and Darnat are intended to push the squad for those starting 11 shirts. With the likes of Tyson, McCleary, Davies, Sinclair, Perch and Breckin not certain to play week in week out hopefully Forest will see them strive harder to make an impression, hopefully improving the team's fortune's. Steven Hughes should be kept on for his tenacity and experience if nothing else.

I see a long hard slog ahead of us and a chance to play better opposition, the exception of derby of course, will improve the ability's of our already impressive youngsters.

Bring on the Reading
Alan March,
Commentator for Visually impaired spectator's at Nottingham Forest and Wembley Stadium.