While listening to Chomsky, in his documentary “Manufacturing Consent” he mentioned how sport was an avenue which displayed peoples’ sheep-like obsession for matters that are completely irrelevant to their lives. It was a bit harsh - as not everyone can change the world by writing a book - but he highlighted it as wilful ignorance and supported the point, when he noted that, on tuning in to any sports station, ‘John Smith’ callers ring in with the most obscure facts about their teams. Even moderate fans (as opposed to fundementalist) recall statistics and formulate opinions on the minutiae of football strategy, calling for the head of their manager on a platter, surrounded by reams of information about mistakes that he may not have even been aware of. Never though is this passion and verve directed towards the issues that matter. The masses ignore the political debate that is paramount to their destiny.

Sven Goran Eriksson is likely to be sacked - or be forced to resign - for the rather insignificant matter of sleeping with his secretary. He is single (now), childless and living in the ‘free world’ so what’s the problem? If we were as critical of our PM, as we are of the national team coach - heck, even a mid-league Premiership team - our Premier wouldn’t last half a season. At the moment the team isn’t getting results. Bad decisions have been made and even the criticisms of external consultants haven’t resulted in rectification. Our team’s disciplinary record needs improving. The transport and medical staff’s resources are shocking, and the less said of our abuse of the 3-foreigners rule the better. Our finances are good, but that’s only due to the rapidly inflating cost of the tickets (which it seems the fans are borrowing money to afford), and who says money buys titles anyway? We haven’t got into Europe yet, and the coach’s flip-flopping is disrupting morale.

If Eriksson should go, for shagging his help then Blair should go for helping his shag. (Below the belt i know, but it’s so true.)