Sports Letter: Free hit at the high and mighty
MR JOHN HYDE'S letter (5 May) suggesting that so-called top Premiership teams should not have to play lesser lights like Nottingham Forest and Charlton, provoked a powerful response from readers. Here is a selection...
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I read the letter from yet another devoted Manchester United fan not living anywhere near Manchester and reacted with anger. In it he claims that it is not worth playing Blackburn, Nottingham Forest or Charlton. I assume that the list might include Southampton and Everton.
These remarks show that his smug arrogance is only matched by his astonishing ignorance. I would suggest that he consult his history books where he would find that nearly all clubs have, at some time, been "a waste of time playing", including his own choice of club.
I would like to remind him that Nottingham Forest have won the Europoean Cup more times than Manchester United, that Everton were the dominant team of the late Eighties and that Blackburn were League winners not too long ago. Going way back, there was even a time when Charlton fans could have thought that playing Manchester United was a waste of time.
The most crucial lesson that needs to be taught to an awful lot of smug supporters is that there are cycles of success and failure. The Premiership is not a convenient vehicle for the well-heeled to be placed automatically in Europe. The other clubs in the League are not there simply to make up numbers or be nurseries for one club.
PAUL BYATT
London
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments