Birmingham's Generations Expectations

Article by e-Sports Net's Matthew Jewsbury

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20th February 1992 saw the formation of the FA Premier League, following the decision of clubs in the old First Division to break away from the Football League, jumping at the chance to take advantage of a lucrative TV rights deal.

Many believe that this was the reckoning of the game, clubs became a mere shareholders of a huge organisation that in the 2013/14 season struck a deal with the dreaded BSkyB and BT Group worth £1bn a year. The older generation especially have a lot to say about these new ‘modern’ football’ days and how much they miss the ‘proper football’ days - although I wasn’t there I can safely say that them days sounded a lot more fun in comparison to the commercialised ‘sport’ that we watch behind the box and on the terraces today.

The different generations of football supporters seem to have different perceptions on their respective teams, I was inspired to write this blog post after reading some comments on an Often Partisan blog post, by the fantastic blogger Dan Ivery. The difference being that the generation before the formation of the Premier League seem to enjoy the unpredictability of being a Blues fan and not necessarily having that want ‘to be at the top of the Premiership winning everything’. I find this a great topic of conversation and myself have found that my generation; who have grown up with the Premier League, often believe it is the best place to be. Although, that does not reflect on my personal views, I had really been swayed by peoples comments the last couple of years being an open minded person myself, I like to listen to peoples opinions to see if they can affect my own - this was one topic of conversation that I was swayed on pretty quickly.

Now, don’t get me wrong, being in the Premier League is a fantastic place to be and is fun for many different reasons, but I wouldn’t change being a Blues fan for the world. It is true that it is never dull being a Blues fan, whether it be good or bad, there is always something going on! I gave my (Villa) mate a good laugh when I told him “I’d had rather have been in Wolves shoes, winning League One rather than your own, fighting off relegation and losing every week” He didn’t believe me, but I am honest when I say it - as much as the dingles annoy me they had a great season, whereas my own beloved Birmingham City had a pretty rubbish one in terms of results. I also asked this anonymous Villain “Would you rather win the league cup and be relegated, or stay in the premier league without no cup win” - his response was to stay in the Premier League, I really can’t fathom how as a football fan you would choose to stay in the Premier League for a minimum of one season rather than making history. Sorry my anonymous Villa mate, but you do baffle me at times.

After some research, I found that the season before the formation on the Premier League (91/92) the collective revenue of all 22 clubs was £170m, 20 years later the figure stood at £2.3bn in the 11/12 season and now £3bn, a rise of at least £600m in 3 years. These shocking figures give me reason to agree with the ‘older’ generation, there have only been 5 Premier League champions, Man Utd top that list of course, lifting the trophy 13 times. With this sort of money being pumped into the English games top league, you wouldn’t expect English clubs to be expelled from any part of the league system… How wrong am I? After Hereford have been expelled due to a mere £148,000 debt, what a disgrace!

I do understand both sides of this generation difference - who wouldn’t want their team to be playing in the best league in the world? But for me Football is a sport, a passion, a form of entertainment. Not just the mega bucks that the Premier League provide. I have a fear for the new generation of football fans who will be used to watching their team on the box, whilst never feeling that pure elation and excitement whilst spectating on the terraces.

Am I crazy? Leave a comment to spark some debate!

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