The Future?
with English Football, namely Everton FC?
Let me begin by asking - is there a future for Scottish football? For decades, Scottish footballers have traipsed south to the land of milk and honey to parade their finely tuned and exquisitely harnessed skills for the more learned footballer supporters, yes......the adoring English football public. The roll call of players idolised by supporters south of the border included such luminaries as Jimmy Dunn, Alex Young, Bobby Collins and more lately, Andy Gray and Graeme Sharp.
The game in Scotland has, by and large, degenerated into a certain number of games each week which may well go down on the fixture lists and coupons as "The World v The World".
Supporters "down here" have for years viewed with eager anticipation and interest the Scottish footy results but no longer is this the case. The reason is simple - Scottish football no longer allows younger Scottish players to develop nor allow older players time to improve their skills. he influx of foreign players has led to a reduction in opportunities for home-grown players, and underlying problems for the national team.
Yes, I know what you're all thinking; how can this intelligent Sassenach spout such drivel when his national side is struggling and looking inferior, result-wise, to Scotland. The answer as you all well know lies here on Merseyside. The future of the game in Scotland lies in the hands of Everton Football Club. We are the only club that is prepared to offer an opportunity to your countrymen, to educate them, help them maximise their ability and retain a link with the game of fitba in Scotland.
The foundations were already there before Wattie and Archie arrived. Spencer, Cleland, Big Fergie and an Englishman named Hutchison were prominent. Indeed it was Everton that turned Don Hutch into the prolific international goalscorer he is now. The management added new blood in way of John Collins, Scott Gemmill and Dickie Gough and with the aid of a lone bagpiper taking us to kick off time, it was as if I'd been transported back centuries to Bannockburn. My tartan was ordered and if I didn't have a pint of heavy before the game, ....well, it just wasn't worth living.
Some players have left as they didn't fall into the Everton way (Hutchison) or were plainly letting the Blues of England and Scotland down (Spencer). However, we didn't despair as within time the bagpipes were played once more and a young Scotsman with flair and steel heard the call and he came running ithout hesitation. Scotlands finest left-back prospect for many a year is now displaying his wares. He's still a wee bit green but he'll do for me and Everton will now develop his potential so that for years, Mr Naysmith will be a permanent fixture for both Blues.
For the fairminded of you, it's perhaps now understandable why I say the future of Scottish football is dependent upon this small fishing village on England's north-west coast and for those of you who think this is a load of rubbish....the truth is out there.
P.S. - Everton are currently fifth from bottom. Maybe Christian Dailly knew something I didn't.
Eddie 'Everton' Holmes
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