It never ceases to amaze me how we cling on, as a nation, to the victory of the 1966 football World Cup! Songs are written about it, the team members (living) are still revered as heroes and there is even a popular TV show named after one of the commentator's final lines "they think it's all over ... it is now".
Recently one of the squad, Alan Ball, died. His memorial service was screened on all the major news stations - live! People lined the streets and listened outside the cathedral. It was like a State funeral or a Royal funeral. I know I will provoke outrage (from the male contingent) when I say this: He was only a footballer for Heaven's sake! He didn't get a Nobel prize, he didn't create a cure for any disease, he didn't save anyone's life. He was simply a nice fellow who could kick a ball in his youth, manage a good squad for the rest of his career and entertain as an after dinner speaker.
Now I see that we have a huge statue of the 1966 team captain Bobby Moore unveiled outside the new Wembley stadium. I just don't get it. When are we going to let go of (and stop dining out on) a very long past success? I do think it is a 'boy thing' as none of the women I talk to about it understands either.
My point is simple: I think clinging on to the past prevents us winning in the now!
Comments