SoccerCommunicate – don't bellyache

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The tube illuminated the half-light where it had left off. One of the movie channels was playing “Dances with Wolves” a film I have never seen despite its many Academy Awards. I probably didn’t think I could stomach a three-hour Western – segmented into a four-hour epic by the magic of commercial television.

Since I was only watching to pass the time it didn’t really matter, until I realized I was hooked. Something about the scenery, the music kept me involved against my better judgement. If I was in for the long haul, this would keep me up until 6am, which would leave me a wreck for much of the following day.

Since those Oscars are now 20 years old, I’m one of the few who had no idea of the screenplay. In essence it’s a simple tale of how communication, however difficult to initiate, can overcome prejudice and lead to an understanding and appreciation of a hitherto unfamiliar creed and lifestyle.

When I awoke my senses were alerted by another unlikely alliance. I must be still dreaming. Could I really be reading about a ‘partnership’ between fans of Liverpool and Manchester United? The fiercest rival supporters in English football actually finding common ground on anything, let alone discussing a combined strategy, is an alien concept to most.

Apparently, desperate times call for desperate measures. Such is the distress caused, there is a movement to organize a protest against the common enemy – namely Uncle Sam. Dialogue has replaced the usual vitriol in some quarters with the intention of making their respective American owners as uncomfortable as possible when the two meet at Old Trafford next month.

Neither the Glazer family, which owns United, nor Messrs. Hicks and Gillett, who run Liverpool, have much support from the supporters. They all borrowed heavily to finance their purchases and fans are concerned the famous red jerseys are being mirrored by the same colour on the balance sheets.

Many Liverpool fans will argue the levels of debt have already made a big impact. The team’s inability to qualify for the knock out stages of the Champions League together with another failed EPL title campaign is bound to promote a search for scapegoats.

Many United fans want to know what happened to the huge profit made on the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. Why wasn’t it reinvested in new players? Antonio Valencia’s move from Wigan made a dent but Michael Owen came for free. Did the Glazers grab the lion’s share simply to reduce the loans?

Clearly something must be done – a statement must be made. What have these irresponsible, ignorant Americans ever done for United or Liverpool? Well actually, there are 3 EPL titles, 2 League Cups, 1 Champions League title and 1 FIFA Club World Cup in the United trophy room since the Glazers bought in. On Merseyside, by contrast and despite a couple of near misses, the cupboard remains bare.

Call me naive but have I missed something here? Most fans of most clubs would love to see their team performing in the upper echelons of the Premiership week in, week out and competing in Europe year in, year out. Portsmouth fans may have a legitimate reason to protest about the way their club is being run. Certainly there has been considerable reason for uncertainty at West Ham. Everyone else, pipe down.

Communication and understanding also appears absent in the protracted MLS labour negotiations. Suddenly everyone’s talking but it seems no-one’s listening as the extended deadline draws near. A settlement must be found which is fair to both sides and conciliation is the key.

The eruption of unsavoury public exchanges serves neither side in this dispute. We know the owners like it just the way it is and we know the players’ union wants better conditions for its members. What about the fans who bring life and credibility to this League? They want the season to kick off, on time, and they want to be entertained.

There is a solution to these issues and it will be found sooner or later. Why risk public indignation, or worse – apathy, by clinging to ideals that are either unattainable or no longer relevant. Stop the mudslinging, get back around the table and do not leave until hands have been shaken, if only on a timetable for change.

PS – Can anyone tell me what happens in the final scene of Dances with Wolves? Sleep finally found me just as Kevin Costner’s Sioux family was riding to the rescue.

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