Forget Scotland’s referendum, I think the people of Accrington should demand their independence.
If they could persuade Cameron, Clegg and Miliband that they should be set free the path to European football glory lies ahead virtually unhindered.
As an independent state UEFA would have to recognise Accrington’s right to a place among bigger footballing nations and invite them to take part in all European football championships in the future. After all, Accrington is bigger than San Marino or Gibraltar and the same size as Lichtenstein.
Unlike Gibraltar, who had to play Poland 400 miles away in Portugal, Accrington have a stadium of their own. Unlike Andorra, who played Wales on a pitch that was more 3Z than 3G, they have grass to play on. And unlike San Marino they can raise a team of professionals, not car mechanics, DJs and IT consultants. They would also certainly have the sharpest dressed manager.
And what if Thomas Muller scores eight at the Crown Ground as Germany put 10 past the new boys, it’s all about spreading the footballing bible and allowing the smaller nations to grow and flourish. Like San Marino, who’s first match in 1990 ended in a 4-0 defeat to Switzerland and by 2008 they’d progressed so much that Germany were beating them 13-0. These things clearly take time.
Watch them at Wembley next month against England and ask yourself honestly, could Accrington not produce a better performance? I think you know the answer.
With enhanced TV coverage Accrington would flourish – no more concerns about stolen boots, sponsors would rush to replace them. Advertisers would be desperate for billboards, especially behind the goals. Who knows, with Michel Platini desperate to spread the word, the regally named Crown Ground might one day host the European final itself.
And if anyone dares criticise the right of Accrington, or San Marino, or Andorra, or the other minnows to take their place in major tournaments, they face being criticised as elitist. ‘What would the FA Cup be without the small clubs?’ the critics ask, disregarding the facts that there are preliminary rounds, qualifying rounds and the first and second rounds without the big teams.
They ignore the fact that other sports like cricket or rugby have qualifying tournaments to prevent a bunch of ex-pats from Upper Capaccio to roll up at Lord’s or Twickenham. No, UEFA must ignore the critics and welcome Accrington with open arms. With David Lloyd heading up the independence campaign surely nothing can stop them? Start the car…
Jeff
P.S. Any other town boasting a League Two club could start their own independence campaign.
JEFF'S GEM OF THE WEEK
Accrington for coming a goal behind early on to beat Tranmere Rovers to earn their first victory of the season. They showed guts and resilience with a couple of goals from James Gray. I was very pleased for James Beattie who works wonders on a shoestring. Let’s be honest, could you have seen San Marino staging that sort of comeback.