Sorry Martin. In an effort to change the line of debate, I was looking for some kind of skill development coming from within our shores - those players you have mentioned certainly did the business, but I would love to see a Mc`Kaka` or some other star emerging from our unlimited list of national league players.
Could it be that we are over-subscribed (financially) with football and we should perhaps consider reducing the existing professional leagues and concentrate on the more basic development of the game from within our local amateur youth population.
To me (a common (well, not quite common) retired, man) the fact that Real`s agreed £80Million contract to buy someone from ManU.... ..., which, in view of our current national and economic state, is an absolute disgrace, highlights the fact that football is only a sport. . Sorry if I digressed ( just back from the bowling) .
It`s only a game eh?...................
PS
I used to earn 12/6d a game (don`t laugh) but I would have played for nothing. I never exchanged my shirt with my opponent - I took it home and got it washed to wear for my next game.