As the Premier League kicks-off for another season, I'm reminded of my blog immediately prior to the start of the World Cup in South Africa a few weeks ago........
"Barely ten minutes before they kick off their game against the USA, I want to put it on record that I would be a lot more comfortable about England's chances in the tournament if the media had put a little less pressure on the team. Their constant intrusion impeded the players' preparation instead of helping them."
Looking back, I'm rather proud of how prescient my remarks may have been. Few would dispute that (at least) one of the reasons for England's poor performance was the aforementioned pressure which the press and media put on the players - not to mention the manager. Furthermore, that point of view could still be applied today - because, in my opinion, sports reporters seem to spend more time expressing an opinion than doing what they're supposed to do - and that is reporting.
I know I've asked this question previously - but, if they are so damned clever, why have no journalists put themselves forward to manage football teams. It's true that some of the more informed members of the media (usually former players) have had opportunities to manage. However, perhaps they were not prepared to put up with the entirely unjustified influence the press seem to have and, without wishing to demean them unecessarily (the ex-players, not the press), they may have had the good sense to realise that it's a lot easier to be wise (and be seen to be wise) after the event.