Sad State Of Football

[ColchesterFC]

Bear in mind that nations with smaller populations tend to have peaks and troughs regarding qualification to a great degree than larger ones.

I would suggest that New Zealand in both rugby league and union disprove that statement. They've got a far smaller population than almost any other top nation and yet they've been at the top of the tree for years. In my opinion it's more about coaching and mentality.

 

[MegaSteve]

With a continued growth [in numbers] of qualified [better] coaches we'll [hopefully] see greater numbers of 'promising' 16-17 year olds...

Can only be good for our future prospects..

 

[Kellfire]

I would suggest that New Zealand in both rugby league and union disprove that statement. They've got a far smaller population than almost any other top nation and yet they've been at the top of the tree for years. In my opinion it's more about coaching and mentality.

Pretty terrible example given the massive difference in participation across the world in said sports and the higher emphasis of rugby in NZ.

 

[ColchesterFC]

Pretty terrible example given the massive difference in participation across the world in said sports and the higher emphasis of rugby in NZ.

Yep, absolutely terrible example. Given that the post I was replying to was about smaller nations having peaks and troughs.

New Zealand population - 4.7million
Australia population - 24 million
France population - 67 milion
England population - 53 million
Scotland population - 5.3 million
Wales population - 3.1 million
South Africa population - 56 million
Argentina population - 43.9 million
Tonga population - 107000
Samoa population - 195000
Fiji population - 899000

So if it's down to being a "smaller nation" New Zealand should be doing slightly worse than Scotland but obviously they aren't. And you kind of prove my point for me by pointing out that it's about the "higher emphasis of rugby in NZ". So it isn't about being a smaller nation then?

 

[Papas1982]

Yep, absolutely terrible example. Given that the post I was replying to was about smaller nations having peaks and troughs.

New Zealand population - 4.7million
Australia population - 24 million
France population - 67 milion
England population - 53 million
Scotland population - 5.3 million
Wales population - 3.1 million
South Africa population - 56 million
Argentina population - 43.9 million
Tonga population - 107000
Samoa population - 195000
Fiji population - 899000

So if it's down to being a "smaller nation" New Zealand should be doing slightly worse than Scotland but obviously they aren't. And you kind of prove my point for me by pointing out that it's about the "higher emphasis of rugby in NZ". So it isn't about being a smaller nation then?

I think the original point about peaks is very true. In countries such as Iceland/Home nations where there isn’t the infrastructure (big league), then with a smaller population they’ll struggle to consistently do well, but may have a period of time where a few plays all come through at the same time.

The nz idea isn’t really the same as although they have a small population they also have a better major league that consistently brings through good talent and therefor over time has meant that despite their size they will have a conveyor belt of talent.

 

[ColchesterFC]

I think the original point about peaks is very true. In countries such as Iceland/Home nations where there isn’t the infrastructure (big league), then with a smaller population they’ll struggle to consistently do well, but may have a period of time where a few plays all come through at the same time.

The nz idea isn’t really the same as although they have a small population they also have a better major league that consistently brings through good talent and therefor over time has meant that despite their size they will have a conveyor belt of talent.

So you agree then, it's not about the size of the nation it's about the infrastructure and mind set of the country rather than their population.

 

[Lazkir]

At least Scotland et al are in good company, Italy aren't going either.

Strange times!

 

[ColchesterFC]

I think the original point about peaks is very true. In countries such as Iceland/Home nations where there isn’t the infrastructure (big league), then with a smaller population they’ll struggle to consistently do well, but may have a period of time where a few plays all come through at the same time.

The nz idea isn’t really the same as although they have a small population they also have a better major league that consistently brings through good talent and therefor over time has meant that despite their size they will have a conveyor belt of talent.

So it's not about having a smaller population then. It's about having structures in place that allow talent to come through regardless of population size.

 

[Kellfire]

At least Scotland et al are in good company, Italy aren't going either.

Strange times!

Old team, devoid of any flare players and with a crap manager. They need a reboot.

 

[sawtooth]

I do not think UK teams will improve until we see more UK players playing for UK teams.

I couldn’t agree more.

 

[Kellfire]

I couldn’t agree more.

You must love Arsene’s dedication to that end.

 

[MegaSteve]

Germanys success is based on them having a long standing top quality coaching structure...

We must aspire to having similar in place sooner rather than later...

 

[Papas1982]

So you agree then, it's not about the size of the nation it's about the infrastructure and mind set of the country rather than their population.

i think both have merits. The original point you countered was on a discussion about Football. In this case, generally the smaller nations do have peaks. Such is footballs popularity that countries with greater populations tend to have an advantage, with all else (popularity/infrastructure) being equal.

Other ers sports may not be affected by intial population numbers as they are more niche and therefor a smaller core group can be big eniugh to sustain success.

 

[Crazyface]

As usual I've explained myself poorly ...

Kids of a much younger age now how more access to 'proper' coaching... As young as five!
Someone who's got a coaching badge not just a well intentioned Dad doing his best...

For older kids there are now sports academies with professional coaching...
Not just a 'regular' teacher who might do geography one day PE the next..

It's about building a decent platform and I believe the FA finally have got the message...

You are completely wrong. Until the coaching badges are available free to those involved with clubs then we have no chance of ever improving.

http://www.thesoccerstore.co.uk/blog/latest-news/is-the-cost-of-an-fa-coaching-badge-in-england-hurting-the-national-game/

 

[Crazyface]

It's an utter disgrace why those stuffy suits involved at the top of the FA keep going on about "grassroots football" but do nothing to fund it. Until they do England football team will continue to decline.

The pubs will be empty for this years World Cup because most do not think we have a sniff on a chance or actually care about us. If, by some miracle we reach the QF, then there will be an upsurge of hope and the pubs will be full. Well at least for one game.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UEFA_European_Football_Champions

Not great reading for the UK teams......3 semi finals in 56 years.

On a more cheerful note, Scottish league attendances have never been higher. Proper supporters going to live games has to be good news.

 

[Marshy77]

You are completely wrong. Until the coaching badges are available free to those involved with clubs then we have no chance of ever improving.

http://www.thesoccerstore.co.uk/blog/latest-news/is-the-cost-of-an-fa-coaching-badge-in-england-hurting-the-national-game/

Totally agree.

Although the manager merry go round doesn't help with the appointment of relegation saviours that get wheeled out year after year. More younger British managers need to be given a chance BUT with the money involved in football, Premiership especially this will never happen.

 

[pbrown7582]

You are completely wrong. Until the coaching badges are available free to those involved with clubs then we have no chance of ever improving.

http://www.thesoccerstore.co.uk/blog/latest-news/is-the-cost-of-an-fa-coaching-badge-in-england-hurting-the-national-game/

this isnt the true picture, the uefa A available on the continent and actually in Wales is watered down hence why is "name" have fast tracked through the system.
Although volunteers most wanting to start there basic coaching pathway will find a club to pay the initial £150 for a Level 1 course, and most reasonably sized clubs will certainly help with L2 as well. Despite the supposed extreme cost in the UK there is still a big waiting list and battle to get on the UEFA A (which is pro level only by the way) and the UEFA B (cost circa £500)

 

[pbrown7582]

It's an utter disgrace why those stuffy suits involved at the top of the FA keep going on about "grassroots football" but do nothing to fund it. Until they do England football team will continue to decline.

The pubs will be empty for this years World Cup because most do not think we have a sniff on a chance or actually care about us. If, by some miracle we reach the QF, then there will be an upsurge of hope and the pubs will be full. Well at least for one game.

they do nothing what about the millions invested in the new 3G Hubs where football can be played 24/7......?
and not called off due to waterlogged pitch or some idiot breaking the goal posts!

 

[Deleted member 16999]

So then, at the World Cup 2018, there will be no Wales, no Scotland, no Northern Ireland. Just little 'ole England. No I'm not gloating, coz I don't care about them. It just shows, to me, how shocking the state of football is here in Britain. Will Rep of Ireland make it? Martin O'Neil, I suspect will find a way. But only just. Is it worth the effort? England are boring to watch, by all accounts, and trash. Mr O'Neil's team are not known for free flowing football either, and win or lose 1-0. Both teams probably won't get out of the first groups they are putin (did you see what I did there?), and will be home before the first postcards they send.

So what if the other nations are struggling?
Welsh teams play in England, every few months we get the “Old Firm” should be in the English leagues, that’s not exactly helping their own country.

99% of the other fans like, and often rejoice, to see England lose.

Some of the best players in the world are in the EPL.

England are boring to watch, maybe you should watch them and make up your own mind.

The national team has struggled for years for lots of reasons, some of those reasons have and are being adressed and hopefully we are starting to see glimmers of hope.

As for grassroots football, successive governments have closed more pitches and removed sport from the curriculum, not all the blame can be laid at the FA.

Whether we like it or not it’s a business and a very succesful one at that.

Right now I would say English Football is in a decent place, not interested in other countries if England involved, happy (unlike the majority of their fans) to support the other nations if England fail to qualify or get knocked out earlier than them.