Football has changed and it really isn't how it used to be. The season ended over a month ago but it's still going on. Not for us, but many other sides. And internationals. And it's all about money.
It's not about anything else. It's certainly not about supporters. It's not about the players. It's not even really about the competitions. I have zero interest in the Nations League and I'm not even sure that's what they're playing, I've got so little interest in the national side.
I've also got zero interest in this Club World Cup. And you know what, I don't even care about player welfare. Not really. Not with the money they earn. And I know it's not all about that because none of us would turn it down, but that isn't the point either because they do get paid it and they only need one season to be set for life.
And by set for life, I don't mean the life they are living now, but the life they were born into. Something has to change or I'm telling you, we're heading to Rollerball.
And it's so easy to fix. But who wants to fix it and lose the money?
But this isn't Footballocracy and there is a post coming about the above over there, with numbers, this is a blog about Aston Villa and we've really entered silly season.
Emi Martinez is leaving, then he isn't and he is again. Ramsey needs to be sold for PSR reasons, then he doesn't. Aston Villa are in trouble, but are we really?
I'm not convinced we're in trouble with PSR. Sure, it's a factor, but I don't think it's going to impact our ability to do business and get better. I have trust in Unai and the team and I'm sure we will start the season as strong as we finished last season, from a player perspective.
I think we have learnt a lot from last season too and that is going to put us in a better position for the one coming up. And with that in mind, the fixtures are announced tomorrow. This is the signal that proper football is returning. And with that, the 'summer' transfer window opened again this week.
I'm sure if I thought about it for a moment I could figure out why it opened and closed and opened again, but I can't be bothered. The only thing I'm looking forward to at the moment is August 16th. That and enjoying the summer and all the wonderful stories about Aston Villa that I'm sure are going to get written.
Yes, I have officially become a grumpy old man.