15 Reasons to Feel Frustrated about the New Premier League Season

Premier League Not so Keane: 15 reasons to be grumpy about new Premier League season

A Premier League season is upon us, which means it’s time for hope and joy.

A Premier League season is about to kick off, bringing with it a mix of anticipation and excitement. However, as the new campaign approaches, I find myself feeling rather grumpy and disenchanted with English football. In this spirit, I present to you fifteen reasons why I am particularly annoyed about the upcoming season.

People who refer to The Premier League as ‘The Premiership’ or ‘The Prem’

It’s quite frustrating when individuals still use outdated terms like ‘The Premiership’ or ‘The Prem’ to refer to the Premier League. These names haven’t been in use for years, and it reflects ignorance or a lack of awareness to continue using them. Unfortunately, I anticipate having to interact with such people over the next nine months, which is disappointing.

People who use ‘the football’ as an unnecessary prefix

It is perplexing to hear individuals, even those in their fifties like Paul Merson, use phrases like “the football club,” “the football match,” and “the football result.” This unnecessary prefix only serves to annoy and confuse. I am genuinely puzzled as to why this trend persists.

Roy Keane on Sky Sports

While I understand the irony of being grumpy and criticizing someone else for their grumpiness, I must say that Roy Keane’s punditry on Sky Sports leaves much to be desired. Sitting in a swivel chair, sporting various facial hair styles, he offers nothing more than a caricature of his younger self. It’s quite shocking, to say the least.

Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports

Every Monday at 11:30 am, Dermot Gallagher proceeds to explain why all refereeing decisions made during the weekend matches were correct, even when it’s clear they weren’t. It’s baffling to see Sue Smith and Stephen Warnock tolerate this nonsense every week. Gallagher’s unwavering support for referees’ questionable calls is hard to comprehend.

Richarlison in general

I cannot fathom how someone as snarling, flamboyant, and controversial as Richarlison manages to maintain his status as one of the sport’s most disliked figures. Whether it’s his pigeon dance, his shithousery on the pitch, or his general behavior, Richarlison has gained a reputation as one of the world’s worst human beings. His antics on and off the field are truly disheartening.

All post-match interviews with players who aren’t Michail Antonio

Engaging in post-match interviews is a part of football that should be interesting and captivating. However, due to the media training and scripted responses that players receive, these interviews often lack substance. Thankfully, Michail Antonio is an exception and consistently offers engaging and entertaining insights. Other players should take note and bring more personality to their interviews.

All radio phone-in shows

It’s disheartening to hear uninformed opinions and rants during radio phone-in shows. The fact that individuals with little knowledge or understanding of the game are given a platform to express their thoughts was one thing I hoped we would leave behind after the Brexit referendum. Providing a voice to such individuals is detrimental to quality discourse in football.

Being reminded that the entrance to the away end at Kenilworth Road is through someone’s back garden

While it may be interesting the first few times you hear it, the constant reminder that the entrance to the away end at Kenilworth Road is through someone’s back garden becomes tiresome. It’s an anecdote that has lost its charm and has become nothing more than an annoyance. Hearing it repeatedly dampens the excitement of the game.

Being made to endure half-time entertainment

In this day and age, it’s bewildering that we still subject ourselves to mediocre half-time entertainment. Watching Lee from Lincolnshire miss a penalty and lose out on hospitality tickets is hardly worth our time. There must be better and more engaging forms of entertainment that can be provided during the break.

Fantasy football nerds

Listening to individuals obsess over their fantasy football teams and bemoaning their player selections can be unbearable. It’s important to remember that the average fan doesn’t share the same level of investment and interest in these virtual football teams. Such conversations can only alienate the common supporter and come across as self-indulgent.

Media agenda conspiracists

There is a tendency for some to believe that there is a media conspiracy against certain clubs, resulting in biased coverage and negative narratives. This notion is unfounded and only serves to fuel division and animosity among fans. It’s regrettable that people take these baseless theories seriously and give them a platform on social media.

International breaks

As much as I may dislike the Premier League, I still find myself experiencing withdrawal symptoms during international breaks. Watching England effortlessly defeat a team of mediocre players in a stadium associated with a dictator’s rally only heightens the longing for the Premier League’s return. The excitement and unpredictability of the domestic league are sorely missed during these breaks.

Ray Winstone trying to make gambling seem cool

The constant presence of Ray Winstone in gambling advertisements attempting to make gambling seem glamorous and exciting is frustrating. It’s important to remember that gambling can be addictive and detrimental to individuals and their finances. Ray Winstone’s attempts to normalize gambling should be viewed skeptically.

Peter Crouch trying to make gambling seem fun

Similar to Ray Winstone, Peter Crouch’s involvement in promoting gambling as a source of entertainment is concerning. It’s crucial to recognize the potential harm that gambling can cause, and to approach it responsibly. Glamorizing gambling through celebrity endorsements only increases the risks associated with the activity.

Manchester City finishing first again

While I appreciate Manchester City’s success and their ability to maintain a high level of performance, it becomes disheartening to witness their dominance season after season. The relentless march of state-funded perfection can dampen the excitement surrounding the title race and make it less competitive. It’s important for the Premier League to find a balance that allows for more parity and unpredictability.

Despite my grumpiness and discontent with certain aspects of English football, I still hold on to the hope that the new Premier League season will bring moments of entertainment, drama, and joy. As fans, we must navigate through the annoyances and frustrations and focus on the beauty and passion that the sport has to offer.

Ultimately, it is our support and engagement that keep the Premier League alive and thriving. So, let’s embrace the upcoming season with a positive spirit, while also holding the league and its participants accountable for maintaining the integrity and excitement that makes it one of the best in the world.