Where’s Gerald?

READERS of a certain age will remember a news story way back in 1991 in which millionaire jeweller Gerald Ratner described one of his firm’s products as ‘total crap’.

The problem was that Ratner’s jewellery stores were a fixture on UK High Streets and once his comments made the press £500 million was wiped off his business.

He has not been heard of since.

I thought of this arrogance when I heard that David O’Leary criticised Aston Villa fans for booing his team at half-time, despite them being 3 – 1 down to Wycombe Wanderers.

I thought of this arrogance when I read that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho announced he was no longer going to give interviews to the media.

And I thought of this arrogance when I remembered that Alex Ferguson doesn’t give interviews to the BBC and the recent announcement that he will no longer talk to Manchester United’s own television channel MUTV.

Looking at David O’Leary’s decision, what did he expect? I wonder if he went into the dressing room at half-time and said ‘bad luck lads, let’s buck up a bit eh?’

I’m sure he went in and kicked a few players up the backside – the fans just gave the players a verbal equivalent. Grow up David.

At Stamford Bridge Jose Mourinho has walked off with his ball after his comments were supposedly ‘misrepresented’.

Well here’s a thought Jose, don’t you think your words to the Press are for the advantage of your fans across the UK and abroad? We can’t all be sat alongside you in the dressing room getting an insight on the forthcoming game.

Pre-match and post-match press conferences are not for your benefit, the benefit of your players or to smooch with the Press. They are to keep your team’s fans in touch with the club. Grow up Jose.

And Sir Alex’s BBC tantrum goes back to him being upset over allegations made about his son’s involvement in transfer dealings.

Whilst he is upset about MUTV’s criticism of his tactics, despite the fact that United have had five shots on goal in the last three games. Again, grow up Fergie.

All the talk at the moment is of boring football and falling attendances, with clubs hoping to entice fans back with cut-price tickets and even piped chanting through the PA system.

But whilst this arrogance to fans exists at the highest levels of the game clubs cannot expect them to turn round and take up their seats in the stands.

They should ask ‘Where’s Gerald?’ next time they are sat round their boardroom tables wondering how to fill their grounds.