WHEN PUSH TURNS TO SHOVE.

Josep Gombau made headlines during the week following a heated verbal exchange that took place during an interview with Fox Sports. The altercation went in to fifth gear after Adelaide Journalist Val Migliaccio repeatedly questioned Adelalaide United’s poor run of form. Although it was Gombau’s outburst that grabbed headlines, it (the outburst) raises questions over the pressures of the modern day coach and the media’s involvement in the game. There’s no doubt that in this day and age the media is heavily involved in Sports. In an age where the world around us is controlled by the media, it’s only a matter of time before push turns to shove. Gone are the days when Football fans relied on the newspaper to get there weekly (and later on daily) dose of Football. In a technological age where our TV screens are saturated with Football, this can be both a good and a bad thing. When asked on his thoughts regarding too much Football being broadcast on Television, former Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough remarked “You don't want roast beef and Yorkshire every night and twice on Sunday."

There can be no question that a coach’s job is much more precarious now compared to 10-20 years ago. With club’s chopping and changing managers all the time, it seems the only season the Modern day manager will see out during his reign is the summer season. Football clubs have been stripped of their identity thanks to the revolving door of players and coaches who enter and exit the club on a regular basis. When you hear the names Alan Curbishley and Sir Alex Ferguson, you immediately think of Charlton Athletic FC and Manchester United respectively. These men became synonymous with their respective Football Clubs and there can be no question as to where their loyalty lay at the end of the day. Sadly the modern day Manager’s CV boasts an array of clubs coached throughout his career, sometimes even in the double figures. And who or what is to blame for this? Perhaps it’s today’s fast paced/quick-fix society. With things like technology and food being available to us instantly, we (society) have lost the ability to wait things out and let patience take over.

While the actions of Gombau during the week were abrupt, one mustn’t ignore the spark which ignited the flame. While media scrutiny comes part and parcel with the job of Managing, there is a fine line between questioning and interrogating. Although standing on the outside looking in it appears Gombau’s emotions got the better of him, it was in actual fact Migliaccio’s interrogation which proved to be the final straw. At the end of the day Migliaccio’s words weren’t merely questions; it was his constant hounding of Gombau’s past results and failures which kicked it (the confrontation) off. While he (Gombau) has since apologised for his choice words (calling Migliaccio’s son a Shit Goalkeeper) it should be a lesson to the media/sports reporters out there who constantly badger Sports coaches. My advice to Football fans out there, and the Media alike, is this; while results may not work in your favour it’s not the end of the world but rather a time to stand up and get behind your coach. After all, there is great strength in support. While Football results may not be favourable to a coach, spectators should exercise patience as “All Things Must Pass” (like the George Harrison song says). Once upon a time we as a society had to wait 6 years to see out World War II, even though those years were quite arduous. Maybe it’s time for fans to put up AND shut up. Even if it means having to wait a long time, they (the fans) should just endure it like a bad haircut.

Written by Alex Stilianos.