Football Hatred - right or wrong?

I hate Liverpool Football Club, I want them to lose every match, I would dance naked down Anfield Road if they ever got relegated. 

Now is there anything wrong with that? 

Personally i don't think there is, I don't wish any harm on them, I just want them to be humiliated on the field, laughed out of the league FOREVER! 

Whenever I voice this opinion I get the usual responses of being a bitter and twisted blue etc etc people try to reason with me about what I would lose if this ever happened. 

They talk about the rivalry and derby atmosphere - to be honest it wouldn't bother me in the slightest, and I wouldn't try to re-direct my hatred towards another team, like Man Utd for example, because I know that if all my dreams came true and Liverpool were banished to the football neverland I would be content, happy even.... 

Over the years I have taken a lot of stick for my view, especially when it comes to family socialising; apparently if my father in law (for example) expresses his appreciation of Liverpool's latest performance I should be able to put my bias to one side for the sake of politeness and family union and happily engage in the pros of playing Gerrard in a deeper midfield role.... 

WELL I DON'T WANT TO! 

I would sooner pretend they didn't exist, when I was younger I use to pray for Everton to win the league and if God had time and could manage it to also relegate Liverpool. 

Over the years sadly Everton have been more involved in relegation battles than our neighbours, and throughout that time a fair few Liverpool fans wanted Everton to survive and wished us well.... 

Hmmmm....

To all those people in my past who did just that I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR YOUR FOOTBALLING VIEWS! 

BE as bitter and twisted as me, LOVE your club more than anything else, DONT admire other teams, DONT pay compliments to your neighbours and DONT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE A RIVAL PLAYER IN YOUR FANTASY TEAM - IT'S JUST WRONG 

There are many things that bring clubs together off the field of play and Liverpool and Everton know that more than most - I am proud of how we have stood together over the years. 

But that shouldn't stop me from wanting them relegated, should it?? 

Ultimately does this viewpoint make life settled and happy? Well in a word no...It makes me bitter and twisted but I wouldn't have it any other way, because that's what makes me passionate and that is the root of this game of ours, cheering for our HEROES. giving the chosen few legend status.

So over to you lot, Am I right? do you hate your local rivals as much as me? 

Is there someone out there that roots for both teams? 

Drop me a comment and let me know

United Kingdom FC

Following another poor international perfomance by the home nations, the question of a GB or UK combined team has been offered as a possible solution.

So I thought I would chuck in my two pence worth, If this did happen, apart from addressing the issues of management and coaches etc and the challenge of getting FIFA/UEFA to accept the team, would it make that much of a difference? 

Below is a possible UK eleven from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (I would have preferred Luxembourg but those lads have day jobs to contend with). So Here Goes,

Goalkeeper - David Marshall (Scot)

Now the obvious choice is Joe Hart and in my opinion he is consistantly better than the other home nations keepers, but David Marshall has had a fantastic start to the season with Cardiff and if Rickie Lambert can make it into the England team, then David Marshall can certainly play here.

Left Back - Baines (Eng) or Cole (Eng) 

No brainer England happen to have in my opinion two of the best left backs in the world

Centre Back - Ashley Williams (Wales)

Performed outstandingly well for Swansea last EPL season and currently better than terry/ferdinand

Centre Back - Jonny Evans (Nire)

Jonny gets in because he is the only Northern Ireland player that would get near this squad so thought I would give him a game.

Right Back - Glen Johnson (Eng) 

This is a reluctant choice mainly because I think he is shockingly poor when defending, however he is better than Kyle walker and much better than any other home nation offerings.

Right Mid - theo Walcott (Eng)

One of these days this lad will click and perform regularly for England, just hope he isn't another John Barnes!!

CM - Jack Wilshere - (Eng)

Still a bit hit and miss in an England shirt but there is definate ability in this lad, needs to be more consistant.

CM - Aaron Ramsey (Wales)

much maligned in a Arsenal shirt last season Ramsey has been a stand out performer this, he gets in, in front of the likes of Lampard and Gerrard, simply because they are too old oh and I don't like them.

LM - Gareth Bale (Wales)

Ahh the sole reason for having a UK XI  one of the main things the current England team is missing - He is one of a few home nation players who can be described as a world beater

ST - Wayne Rooney (Eng)

Again can put in a world class performance and no other home nations striker gets near him

ST - Jermaine Defoe (Eng)

I genuinely believe Defoe has been grossly under used by England and his club, he is a natural goal scorer, deserves a lengthy run in the team.

So that's it, that's my UK XI let me know your's. I must admit I struggled to come up with a combined team, but for one or two obvious exceptions, I don't think many players from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland would get into the England squad.

That is a very sad state of affairs for British football especially as this England team have only managed to beat Moldova and San Marino during the current campaign.

Might check out my family tree and try and find some Brazilian descendants....

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the newly created 'Only One Shin Pad'

This will be an outlet for my inane ramblings, thoughts, and the odd rant or two.
I have recently guest blogged on fantasypremierleaguealldaylong.blogspot.com (thanks to Aaron for showing me the ropes) and I have decided to try it out myself.

 So a little bit about me then; I have been a devoted, bitter and twisted Evertonian for over 30 years now, meaning the views expressed here may offend, will definately be biased and will more than likely make you want to kick holes in your monitor or me, I make no apologies for that you know what you're letting yourself in for should you choose to waste five minutes reading my blog.
I have decided to do this as a bit of therapy, to allow me to rant and rave like your favourite loony down the pub on a saturday night. 

It would, however, be cool if you joined in and gave me your thoughts. The topic of the blog will more often than not be football related, but i reserve the right to deviate towards politics, religion and sex occasionally in the same blog. ;-) 
I also tweet a fair bit of nonsense so feel free to give me a follow: @rob_1878