Sent a letter to The Times on an article excusing Englands lacklustre performance against Algeria on boredom, a dull training camp and lack of home comforts. It wasn't published in the end but thought some of you might find it interesting.
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written 20th June 2010
Dear Sir,
I was disappointed to read England’s poor performance against Algeria
being blamed on the “manager’s disciplinarian regime” and “crippling
boredom” in camp. The thought that players need PSPs and mobile
phones to help buoy their patriotic drive is frankly sickening.
Professional sport requires dedication that, inevitably, will be
monotonous at times. Our Olympic athletes, like Sir Steve Redgrave or
Sir Chris Hoy, have often highlighted the loneliness and boredom in
strict training routines. Before competitions even start athletes
leave family and home to attend training camps that actually last
longer than the entire World Cup tournament.
Sacrificing “home comforts” to achieve an end goal is also something
that British soldiers in Afghanistan know all too well. The gap made
by absent wives and flat screen TVs is replaced by teamwork,
dedication and determination to prevail.
The England football squad should need no more inspiration to perform
well than wearing their countries shirt. If that’s not enough they
should not put it on in the first place.
Kind Regards,
Edward Burge
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