Football’s excesses have killed magic of game

I AGREE with everything Michael Booth (Yorkshire Post, March 19) says about the excesses of the modern football game.

I enjoyed many happy hours attending matches in Lancashire with my late brother but as far as I am concerned, the magic, and above all the sport, has vanished from the game.

We used to stand on the terraces in all weathers and in those days people didn’t seem to mind that or the primitive facilities. I suppose all-seater stadia had to come, but it is just not possible to generate the same excitement sitting down. I well remember being swept down several steps when the home team scored.

Quite apart from the lack of atmosphere in the modern game, the cheating, now prevalent and deliberately organised, turns me off completely. The disgraceful practice of “diving” could be stopped by concerted action from the managers, but now it is a case of win at all costs.

On the subject of managers, I doubt whether there are more than 30 odd who are capable in the whole of the league, hence the regular merry-go-round of sackings. Mentioning no names, but some of those who keep popping up should have quit long ago.

With all the drawbacks, I am amazed that the game remains so popular. Personally, I have found other pursuits to be now more attractive.