Cruel To Be Kind?

I have been pondering on one of the comments made in response to one of my recent posts that football is like a soap opera (thanks paul coombes!)

If I'm honest, true to my girlie nature, it was probably those soap opera qualities that drew me into football. It was my entry point really.

But there have been a number of events recently that have made me think beyond that. One was actually another comment on this blog by Mrs Dowie ,when I had been unkind about Iain Dowie, in which he talked about a kind act by the former Coventry manager. Another was the Eduardo/Taylor incident and all the aftermath.

Football is a soap opera. There is no doubt about it. Larger than life stories that take you to the fringes of belief. The madness of life in the fast lane. The bizarre coincidences that could never happen in real life.

These events, though, have reminded me of the difference between the two. Because although there is an element of the characters 'acting', in that they project a public persona (David Beckham can't possibly look that gorgeous all the time can he?), behind the soap opera are real people with real lives. And feelings.

And the whole world is their judge and jury as they live life in the spotlight.

So my feeling when I read tonight of the generosity of spirit of Eduardo and how it is bringing comfort to Taylor, was one of warmth towards two other human beings, touched by tragedy and digging deep to recover from the wounds it has left - physical and psychological.

I have resolved to try to always bear in mind that when I am considering delivering biting satire at the expense of some hapless victim, that what I say could be hurtful.

Except, of course, in the case of Leeds United, when cruelty is entirely justified.

Do You Feel Lucky Punk?

Apparently we Foxes have a lucky charm. A lucky potato to be exact.

I've talked before about luck, but what about the lengths people go to to create it?

• Lucky pants
• Following certain principles
• Charms and talismans
• Crossing fingers
  

and somewhat surprisingly this.

According to this, my lucky charm is a dragon.

A little bit of luck makes the world go around. And the ball go in the back of the net.

Hopefully we will get our share tomorrow as we face Coventry.

One Look Tells You All You Need To Know

Sometimes things speak for themselves don't you think? One look tells you all you need to know.

Such as why Coventry have almost certainly replaced Ian Dowie with Chris Coleman.


Or that playing "keepie uppie" to celebrate being 4 -0 up will result in a kicking from someone

Or that if you are Manchester United it is inevitable you will draw yet another Premiership club in the FA cup this year.

And there's Newcastle who are sponsored by Northern Rock, soon to become British Rock. Which means Newcastle will be sporting the logo of a defunct organisation for the rest for the season.

Like I say - all you need to know