Dear Mr Silver,
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year,
Although the festive period is a time for giving and good will to all men, there can often be dilemma's thrust upon you that require some serious head scratching to resolve. One of the most common christmas conundrums is what to get the man that has everything? Its one I've often pondered over a glass of mulled wine, you could go down the "joke present" route and run the risk of looking tighter that Ebenezer's purse strings, or you can push the boat out and get them something expensive hoping it is to their taste and they don't already have it. Truth be told, there is only one way around this dilemma, and thats to ask the person what they want.
Luckily for everyone mirror journalist (journalist? can we call him that?....oh, go on then, just because it's christmas!!!) Ian Winwood, helped all us gentle folks that were hoping to get him something special this year by publishing his letter to Santa Claus.
Can I just say that this man is a saint, he could of asked for something selfish (Helicopter, Bugatti Veyron, His own football team to mould in his own fantastic image, you know something he couldn't afford on his modest wages) but he went for the most unselfish present I could imagine. In the football equivalent to "world peace" he came up with his own method of saving football
You see, a lot of people dont know, that although a journalist by day, the fantastic Mr Winwood is a crime fighting superhero by night. And unlucky for the Fat Cats and Billionaires, he has targeted football as his new Gotham City, Thats right, Mr Winwood is on a one man mission to save football's soul.
So after all this skipping around the situation let actually get to Mr Winwood's wish. His is a simple request born out of his love for the beautiful game and nothing, NOTHING else. He only wishes to see Manchester City relegated. there, I've said it, not that bad is it.
So his reasons for this? well firstly he states "Down at the City of Manchester Stadium – the Middle Eastlands, if you prefer – there is crazy money – and with it, crazy talk. There’s mindless chatter of triumph and glory" I mean surely it's the optimism and passion of the Manchester City fans that saw us turn out in record number when we got relegated twice, surely its that optimism and blind faith that helped us sit through year after year of dire football hoping things might get better - maybe I am wrong
Secondly he states that basically we are ruining football by offering crazy money in transfer fees and wages. Maybe this crime fighting football hero wasn't on shift when the likes of Manchester United, Blackburn and Chelsea repeatedly broke the transfer record and increased wages time after time. Seems like this guy has arrived a little late to the crime scene, and is feeling up the innocent bystander.
next he states "I want Manchester City to be relegated simply because no one really believes that it can happen. Relegation doesn’t happen to the rich clubs, so it seems; it’s for the Stoke City’s and West Brom’s of this country"
hmmmmm, not sure about this one. I mean is a lack of football knowledge a pre-requisite for being a football journalist these days? I seem to recall City being relegated 3 times in the last 12 years, so trust me, most blues believe it can happen
and finally (just like Santa Mr Winwood saved the best until last) "But most of all I want City to go down because they are the just the latest bad example football is setting for a whole new generation of fans. They spread the idea that being a football fan is only about one thing, and that thing is success"
again no mention of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea. I think Manchester City are possibly the worst advert ever for Glory seeking fans, you may see one superb performance, followed by ten abject ones. Trust me, everyone at Manchester City games are there because we love the club, and not because we "MIGHT" win something
Anyway i think I've gone on too long, Sorry if my letter wasn't as compelling and well thought out as Mr Winwood's. Please do take into consideration that I am not a professional journalist and I didn't get paid to write this.
Anyway, Im sure Santa is running round in a panic now trying to organize Mr Winwood's request, Providing he has been a good boy all year! Im still keeping my fingers crossed that Santa got my letter asking for some decent sports journalists for THE DAILY MIRROR. I won't be holding my breath though
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year
"a stupidly optimistic glory seeking Manchester City fan - bring on the money and the title"
thats my letter i just sent
Andy
