"Nothing to play for"

Every year, at at this time of the season we hear, or read, this nonsense of a statement "Nothing to Play for"!!

It is, of course, directed towards clubs which can't be relegated or promoted and suggests that if they're playing a side that can be then their application towards the match might be suspect! The accusation alone is an insult to evey paying customer that walks through the gates to watch their team!

It might be a good line for a news-hack to waste some column space, or for a live commentator to fill an unnecesary gap in air time but the truth is it is absolute bollox! As long as a single fan pays the money to watch their side they've got something to play for!

I can forgive a poor performance, God help me I've seen enough of them over the years, but I cannot forgive less than a 100% effort. It is the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM I expect any player to give the moment they take the field. There is absolutely no excuse for anything less!

[quote="theplater"!!

It is, of course, directed towards clubs which can't be relegated or promoted and suggests that if they're playing a side that can be then their application towards the match might be suspect! The accusation alone is an insult to evey paying customer that walks through the gates to watch their team!

It might be a good line for a news-hack to waste some column space, or for a live commentator to fill an unnecesary gap in air time but the truth is it is absolute bollox! As long as a single fan pays the money to watch their side they've got something to play for!

I can forgive a poor performance, God help me I've seen enough of them over the years, but I cannot forgive less than a 100% effort. It is the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM I expect any player to give the moment they take the field. There is absolutely no excuse for anything less![

Plater - I understand the point you are making here, but we have to deal with the realities of football. I have been watching it for 50 years and I became accustomed to teams, including my own, 'playing out' games. Yesterday's game surely encourages you, even though your team lost. Birmingham had 'nothing to play for' and Wolves had 'everything to play for'. Gary Rowett has done a superb job motivating that squad under very difficult circumstances. But that is not going to change things. The fans will continue to get taken for granted.

'On the beach' is another comment used during commentary that does my head in. When Wolves play, regardless of league position i want and expect 100% effort and commitment. I also hope we go all out for the win. In reality we have all been left short changed by the club we follow.