In the summer it is good for fans to see competitive football
So I think a Great Britain team in the Olympics is a fantastic idea
Scotland N Ireland and Wales are not happy with England planning to enter a GB side
Now they see this as a threat to their individual identity as independent footballing nations
I think this is utter claptrap
Many of the teams from fencing to Swimming, to Boxing etc all have their own individual controlling bodies, and they are proud to see competitors from their own areas competing .
We have had combined rugby teams for years now known as the "British Lions", and I see no people in that sport complaining.
The thing is the English Premier league is dominated by foreign players, So this sort of competition allows British players a chance , especially the younger ones to compete in a world competition.
There are age restrictions , I understand it is basically an Under 23 tournament, with a couple of older players allowed as make weights.
I am sure that a sensible coach will pick a balanced squad from the four countries of younger players who we can all get behind
The team will have to qualify first.
That may not be easy , as the other nations in Europe like Germany , Italy, France, and Spain amongst others all have powerful squads.
I think it will be good fun taking part and the 4 nations will enjoy working together for once.
I think back to my younger days when the tournament was amateur , I seem to remember and I might be wrong, but the Queens Park club used to provide a lot of the players. No talk then of losing identity.
Also I must point out that 3 of the 4 nations theses days continually fail to qualify for the two big tournaments, because of the lack of good players. Wales may be the exception.
Joining a great Britain team will give experience to younger players and give fans across the British Isles something to cheer for
In the summer it is good for fans to see competitive football
So I think a Great Britain team in the Olympics is a fantastic idea
Scotland N Ireland and Wales are not happy with England planning to enter a GB side
Now they see this as a threat to their individual identity as independent footballing nations
I think this is utter claptrap
Many of the teams from fencing to Swimming, to Boxing etc all have their own individual controlling bodies, and they are proud to see competitors from their own areas competing .
We have had combined rugby teams for years now known as the "British Lions", and I see no people in that sport complaining.
The thing is the English Premier league is dominated by foreign players, So this sort of competition allows British players a chance , especially the younger ones to compete in a world competition.
There are age restrictions , I understand it is basically an Under 23 tournament, with a couple of older players allowed as make weights.
I am sure that a sensible coach will pick a balanced squad from the four countries of younger players who we can all get behind
The team will have to qualify first.
That may not be easy , as the other nations in Europe like Germany , Italy, France, and Spain amongst others all have powerful squads.
I think it will be good fun taking part and the 4 nations will enjoy working together for once.
I think back to my younger days when the tournament was amateur , I seem to remember and I might be wrong, but the Queens Park club used to provide a lot of the players. No talk then of losing identity.
Also I must point out that 3 of the 4 nations theses days continually fail to qualify for the two big tournaments, because of the lack of good players. Wales may be the exception.
Joining a great Britain team will give experience to younger players and give fans across the British Isles something to cheer for
Lets go for it.