Massey's Mutterings - June 2nd 2010

[Dave Deacon]

Why's Steve Massey raising an eyebrow in his latest "Massey's Mutterings" about last weeks BIG Charity game? :SM_carton_y:

[Richard Chown]

I appraciate your opinion Steve, but I didn't force people to play, it wasnt that sort of game it was a well mannered friendly. We might as well not even play football each Saturday if its that much of a risk. Was it worth England playing Japan this week as it was a risk to the players. The match was played to raise funds for people who have taken a "RISK" for this country some of whom have not come back!

[TMS TIGER]

Is it me or is the link actually showing last week's mutterings ??

[Steve Massey]

Hi Richard,

Many thanks for your passionate comments about the Charity game last Saturday.

What I must stress right now, is not to interpret my comments about players putting themselves at risk, as a knock at the reasons for playing the game!

These are totally different issues and not for one minute did I ever think or in-fact mention that the game and the motives behind it were genuine and very rewarding for a tremendous and worthy cause.

You and David should both be applauded for the time and energy you have put into organising this event and is great credit to you and all involved in Cornish Soccer.

BUT please, once again, do not confuse those motives for playing the game with my thoughts, and I still stand by them, that those TWO players were both taking a risk in playing in that match.

Ask any Manager worth his salt, if they would be happy to see a contracted player of theirs, playing in that level of football. That's exactly what it is, a profession with responsibilities on BOTH SIDES.

I still believe and stand by my thoughts, that to have played, was pushing the boundaries of those responsibilities a bit to far!

Make a guest appearance by all means, penalty shoot out, free kicks etc, But to then compare a friendly game between Professional players called up to play for your country and Saturdays game, misses the point I'm making totally!

Thank you once again Richard for your comments, keep up the magnificent work you do for the BEST FOOTBALL FORUM IN THE WEST!

Kind Regards

Mass

[CrApPy]

Martin Watts played and he is contracted to Truro??? :rolleyes:

[YoungPercy]

Hi Richard,

Many thanks for your passionate comments about the Charity game last Saturday.

What I must stress right now, is not to interpret my comments about players putting themselves at risk, as a knock at the reasons for playing the game!

These are totally different issues and not for one minute did I ever think or in-fact mention that the game and the motives behind it were genuine and very rewarding for a tremendous and worthy cause.

You and David should both be applauded for the time and energy you have put into organising this event and is great credit to you and all involved in Cornish Soccer.

BUT please, once again, do not confuse those motives for playing the game with my thoughts, and I still stand by them, that those TWO players were both taking a risk in playing in that match.

Ask any Manager worth his salt, if they would be happy to see a contracted player of theirs, playing in that level of football. That's exactly what it is, a profession with responsibilities on BOTH SIDES.

I still believe and stand by my thoughts, that to have played, was pushing the boundaries of those responsibilities a bit to far!

Make a guest appearance by all means, penalty shoot out, free kicks etc, But to then compare a friendly game between Professional players called up to play for your country and Saturdays game, misses the point I'm making totally!

Thank you once again Richard for your comments, keep up the magnificent work you do for the BEST FOOTBALL FORUM IN THE WEST!

Kind Regards

Mass

I totally disagree with you Steve. The football match that Stidders played in for Port was a competitive match, therefore the players will to win every tackle for the three points at the end of the match always provides an extra adge.

I dont know if you were actually in attendance for the the charity match on Saturday, but this match was played in great spirits, where all the players including Martin Gritton and Jake Ash were participating for fun. I did not see one bad tackle and every player who was participating was realistic in the fact that it was for charity and although the will to win was there, the players respected each other no matter what the ability. Therefore i do not see any risk in taking part, I see this as different to playing in a competitive match where tackles were competitive and the risk of injury is alot higher.

I think players like Martin Gritton and jake Ash should be appluaded for participating as names such as these provide a bigger draw for people to particiapte and watch.

[Brianmooreshead]

I like reading Steve Masseys comments each month,and as someone who's played the game for a living I respect his views.

On this occasion I think he's come across as being rather patronising. Is it OK for someone like Lee Rickard then or Neil Williams to risk an injury because they're not contracted players and play at a lower level ( albeit by choice )

On an occasion such as this I would have thought the last thing on anyones mind would be crunching into tackles.

Surely the fund raising element is the main thought,and a bit of football,banter & socialising close behind.

Are those players Steve mentioned full time professional footballers - If they are I didn't realise it.

Surely we have to keep a sense of perspective here, or are Falmouth Town etc going to insist on no skiing holidays, adventure courses or the like !

[Deano]

Martin Gritton still has 12 months remaining on his contract at Chesterfield FC, just to clear that one up for you Mr Massey

[Guest]

There was me thinking that the whole point to the game was for charity and to help those who have helped us

Every day I see the news and hope and pray that none of the men and women in places like Afghanistan are not either killed or injured fighting for us and I hope that one day these people will come home to their families

I feel proud to have played in the game and do a little bit to maybe help someone who has done so much for there country

I’m no big name player like the chaps mentioned and I don’t see any comments about weather I should or shouldn’t have played but one things for sure I did and would do it again if it meant im helping someone else in this world

I do see Mr Massey’s point and have taken note but to call it (basically a “kick about!”) is a disgrace

Did I get the wrong end of the stick well maybe I did but having looked at the article a few times I feel that it was a little harsh and uncalled for?

One last point as well, For a player like myself to have been given the opertunity to play alongside these great names was fantastic for me personaly and i would like to take this oppertunity to thank all of the players and people involved for making it such a great day and one i wont forget in a hurry :thumbsup:

[Mr Justice]

I disagree with Mr Masssey's comments. I think the Truro City players have done themselves and their club proud by playing in the charity match.

[YoungPercy]

There was me thinking that the whole point to the game was for charity and to help those who have helped us

Every day I see the news and hope and pray that none of the men and women in places like Afghanistan are not either killed or injured fighting for us and I hope that one day these people will come home to their families

I feel proud to have played in the game and do a little bit to maybe help someone who has done so much for there country

I’m no big name player like the chaps mentioned and I don’t see any comments about weather I should or shouldn’t have played but one things for sure I did and would do it again if it meant im helping someone else in this world

I do see Mr Massey’s point and have taken note but to call it (basically a “kick about!”) is a disgrace

Did I get the wrong end of the stick well maybe I did but having looked at the article a few times I feel that it was a little harsh and uncalled for?

One last point as well, For a player like myself to have been given the opertunity to play alongside these great names was fantastic for me personaly and i would like to take this oppertunity to thank all of the players and people involved for making it such a great day and one i wont forget in a hurry

I couldn't agree with you more Cockerkneeboy. :smiley20:

[Goldeneye]

I couldn't agree with you more Cockerkneeboy.

Me too.

I think players are more likely to get injured in a training session than in this, very worthy, charity match.

[Goldeneye]

I think players are more likely to get injured in a training session than in this, very worthy, charity match.

I really didn't want Rio Ferdinand to endorse my views! :(

[J MILLER]

Interesting to see Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt playing in last nights Soccer Aid friendly. If those guys can see the bigger picture at their level then surely the fact that some non league players and Gritts done their bit for what is a great cause doesnt even raise an argument let alone a 'muttering'

[ozzellfan]

Regarding the comment on "Why did Mike Body look like he'd aged 20 years when he collected his award?" I can reveal that I was Mr Body's replacement at the presentation. Mike was unable to attend so I had to step in his shoes for the night. I'm a bit perturbed to be described as looking 20 years older than Mr Body as I'm not that old!!! Maybe the years of supporting the Lillywhites over the years have taken their toll. I don't possess Bods' goal-scoring prowess but I do edit the programme, hence my appearance later on at the ceremony. It was a very enjoyable evening with good food, and it was nice to catch up with a few familiar faces, even if the evening was tinged with sadness at the passing of Tristan Scott earlier that day. No offence taken Steve, it was nice to be mentioned in your Mutterings, albeit by proxy!!

Steve Bullen (Programme Editor, AFC St Austell and poor substitute for Mike Body!)