Bit late now

[Bob's Orange]

But did anyone watch that documentary on ITV last night called 'Gazza's tears'?

I thought it was pretty good for an ITV documentary and as the 1990 world cup was my first footballing memory I enjoyed it.

As I lived in Scotland when Gazza was playing for Rangers, some of the footage from the World Cup showed just how good a player he was, no fear and an absolute talent. Oh for England to have a Gazza these days.

Interesting as well in 1990 that basically the players would go out on the lash almost every night, which was part of the norm. The bond they had in 1990 was so so strong. Such a shame we didn't get to the final, everytime I see Waddle's pen I am urging him to find the top corner.

[Arriba]

i really enjoyed it, and it showed just how awful the current lot are.they were a team united behind their manager, and mates off the pitch.
alot of the current lot barely know each other.

[yeo]

proof that drinking  makes you ace at football

[Spencer_White]

I dont think weve ever had a team more proud to be English and to be representing England.

And they still had to put up with loads of shite from the press, same as today. Difference today is the fans dont like the players either I guess?

Anyone else find the ending utterly depressing?

[sonicyouth]

repeated at 8pm tonight on itv4

[Ardiles]

Anyone else find the ending utterly depressing?

Was that the bit where Germany won the World Cup?

[Batch]

I saw this. Still couldn't watch the penalty shoot out!

1990 was the last time we could hold our heads up after a World Cup. Seems like yesterday, but there are probably regular posters on here who were still in nappies in 1990!

We did OK in Euro 96 too I suppose, though that was home soil.

One thing that struck me was the number of Union Jacks* on display during the games and in the pubs. Can't say i remember being too aware of it at the time. So why was that. Now it seems to be nealyy 100% flags bearing the crss of St George - which makes sense more than the Union flag.

* yes I called it that to annoy Dave

[Spencer_White]

Was that the bit where Germany won the World Cup?

No. But yes that was pretty depressing as well. It was a pretty depressing final. Should have been England vs Italy!

The ending was how great the Premier League was. But isnt that completely missing the point in relation to the rest of the program? It hasnt been a springboard for our national team? It hasnt raised standards for English players. 1990 is still the best weve had in my lifetime by a long way. Seeing Bobby Robson on his deathbed finnished me off.

[Bob's Orange]

I dont think weve ever had a team more proud to be English and to be representing England.

And they still had to put up with loads of shite from the press, same as today. Difference today is the fans dont like the players either I guess?

Anyone else find the ending utterly depressing?

From what I could tell the players completely ignored the press and were completely unaware of what was going on back in England which meant they could concentrate on getting on with the job. Of course there was no internet or mobiles back in those days.

Now it is like a circus.

[Ardiles]

The Cross of St George was widely used for the first time during Euro '96.  Probably due the fact that it was 'our' tournament (and not Scotland's) and that we got drawn against Scotland.  It was also in the run up to Scottish and Welsh devolution, so the Union Jack didn't seem to do the job any more.

[Bob's Orange]

No. But yes that was pretty depressing as well. It was a pretty depressing final. Should have been England vs Italy!

The ending was how great the Premier League was. But isnt that completely missing the point in relation to the rest of the program? It hasnt been a springboard for our national team? It hasnt raised standards for English players. 1990 is still the best weve had in my lifetime by a long way. Seeing Bobby Robson on his deathbed finnished me off.

Agree Spence. It was entitled, July 4th 1990, the day Football changed. It did, but not for the better unfortunately.

[suttonred]

i really enjoyed it, and it showed just how awful the current lot are.they were a team united behind their manager, and mates off the pitch.
alot of the current lot barely know each other.

I'd dispute that. I bet all of them have had ashley coles cock texted to them at least once, so they'll all know him pretty well.

[Batch]

The Cross of St George was widely used for the first time during Euro '96.  Probably due the fact that it was 'our' tournament (and not Scotland's) and that we got drawn against Scotland.  It was also in the run up to Scottish and Welsh devolution, so the Union Jack didn't seem to do the job any more.

Thanks.


But why did it (Union Jack) do the job in the first place? Was there really a feeling of home nation "togetherness" despite haveing separate football teams? I have no recallation of that being true but my memory is hazy really.

[Jamiesfuturewife]

ahhh I liked this programme - and I too wondered about the union Jacks
God it just reminds you of the big mess that is Gazza now days though

I loved all the skimpy shorts and shellsuits though

[Spencer_White]

One thing that struck me was the number of Union Jacks* on display during the games and in the pubs. Can't say i remember being too aware of it at the time. So why was that. Now it seems to be nealyy 100% flags bearing the crss of St George - which makes sense more than the Union flag.

I think the IRA held the Union together for years.

People back then were more proud to be United?

The IRA started to decommision about the same time as Euro 96, and its been St Georges ever since. Those 2 things.

Thats my theory.