Writing elsewhere about five years ago, I predicted that the pressures of football’s bid for world domination could lead to a scenario where Manchester United were put under pressure to move lock, stock and barrel to London. We’re not quite at that stage yet, but the bizarre notion of a 39th game in the English Premier League shows the same deep reservoir of contempt for the sport’s tradition and integrity.
I admit to a little schadenfreude as supporters of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United wring their hands about the implications for their clubs’ future. They may revel in the skills of Adebayor, Torres and Ronaldo while Darren Mackie is testing my forebearance yet again, but at least when I go to Pittodrie I’m putting my money towards a football club – not a global marketing strategy.