Matthew Benham

[Doovster]

These idiots don't seem to get it.
They forget the dire financial state we were in such a short time ago.
The vote was to take MBs money. The amounts involved could not have been even dreamt about at the time.
He has the absolute right to do. What he wants, how he wants to do it.
If he was to go the club as we know it would not be around in 10 years time.
Whatever players leave, they will be replaced. They have no loyalty to anyone but themselves and their families and we should not criticise them for this unless they behave like Tarkowski. Its the way of football and of the relationship between employers and employees generally nowadays.
The one, the only one that matters is Benham, without him we are nothing with him maybe, just maybe we could become an established top flight club.
Some people will wish for the old days as adversity has its own strange attraction for them. The all standing together camaraderie that this can bring.
F*** that for a game of soldiers. I want what we've had for the past 2or 3 seasons. The only way that can happen is MB's way. Its his club, his money,his vision and like or not his right.

Brilliant post mate, nail firmly on the head!!

People criticise so much that goes on. Many of these d1cks weren't out of nappies when we had real cause for concern such as W£bb and Noad£s.

The most surprising thing for me is those longer in the tooth fans that have seen and been through real past sh1t, and in many cases put themselves right at the sharp end to save the club, and yet seem to have real downers about the current direction and state of the club.

I'll say it again, I just don't geddit???

 

[Bill Benn]

The article is a kneejerk reaction to losing one of his favourite players. With regards to Brentford's transfer policy this season, I've said things myself in the heat of the moment, and after a chance to think about things, realised that perhaps I shouldn't have reacted in the way that I did.

Mr Bruzon is perfectly entitled to his opinion - if you don't like what's written, then you can respond in the proper way (as others have on his blog page), he's seemingly open to other points of view. Some of the personal stuff on here is OTT - and surely against the GPG code of conduct?

I have done just that and responded to it,as far as I see it ther are those amongst us who have an agenda or have strong opinions from stuff last season and don't want to be seen to be wrong.They are desperate to say I told you so .The fact that after a great win yesterday the volumn of posts are way down than if we had lost.As far as football goes we are all wrong from time to time I was disappointed to see Sam start yesterday but don't mind admitting he did a great job yesterday and was in the refs face all game who would have though he could fill Maccas boots in that role.

 

[aawharris]

Brilliant post mate, nail firmly on the head!!

People criticise so much that goes on. Many of these d1cks weren't out of nappies when we had real cause for concern such as W£bb and Noad£s.

The most surprising thing for me is those longer in the tooth fans that have seen and been through real past sh1t, and in many cases put themselves right at the sharp end to save the club, and yet seem to have real downers about the current direction and state of the club.

I'll say it again, I just don't geddit???

Another thing that upsets me is anyone that says "Well if MB is a true fan, why is he selling X, or not offering Y a new contract, he can't be THAT much of a fan".
I honestly want to give some of those utter fishflaps a good slap.

 

[JCMcBee]

These idiots don't seem to get it.
They forget the dire financial state we were in such a short time ago.
The vote was to take MBs money. The amounts involved could not have been even dreamt about at the time.
He has the absolute right to do. What he wants, how he wants to do it.
If he was to go the club as we know it would not be around in 10 years time.
Whatever players leave, they will be replaced. They have no loyalty to anyone but themselves and their families and we should not criticise them for this unless they behave like Tarkowski. Its the way of football and of the relationship between employers and employees generally nowadays.
The one, the only one that matters is Benham, without him we are nothing with him maybe, just maybe we could become an established top flight club.
Some people will wish for the old days as adversity has its own strange attraction for them. The all standing together camaraderie that this can bring.
F*** that for a game of soldiers. I want what we've had for the past 2or 3 seasons. The only way that can happen is MB's way. Its his club, his money,his vision and like or not his right.

you see.....i think this post is all people need to read, agree with, and sign up for......the ONLY pressure group that MB requires is the small group of men under his employment,who advise him,whom he TRUSTS.......so my plea to the old guard,and the new kids on the block.........sign along the dotted line.......one brentford.

 

[Easter 1959]

I just find all of this so, so depressing.

Everyone can remember year upon year of modest, low grade Division Four football; and when there was a turn for the better how this was always stifled by the lack of any fiscal resource; and how many times was the Club close to extinction, literally over generations.

Now, probably for the first time since literally before the Second World War, the Club is moving forward in way that is potentially sustainable at Championship level and getting into the Premiershite is not just an unrealistic dream, it is clearly possible.

How anyone can be so critically negative of what has been achieved is really disappointing.

 

[jlove]

On one hand we have some calling for MB to create a PR narrative and, on the other hand, we have some that should know better feeding the negativity and misinformation around the club. Questioning MB's decisions is one thing, constant digging on a personal agenda is undermining the club and driving divisions in its fans. It's easy to make comparisons between this season and last; there's a bigger picture and we should be contrasting the next 5 years with the last 50.

 

[HerefordB]

Social media has enabled weaklings to become bullies and abusers.
However, it can also be a valuable source of free speech and social change but it's a sad indictment of our times and some of the pathetic people who inhabit these sites, that some think it is perfectly acceptable to hide behind a keyboard and violently abuse others, while maintaining supposed anonymity.
If I were Matthew Bentham, and my family were the recipients of such abuse, I would do a lot more than just pull the plug on Twitter.

 

[Bill Benn]

Social media has enabled weaklings to become bullies and abusers.
However, it can also be a valuable source of free speech and social change but it's a sad indictment of our times and some of the pathetic people who inhabit these sites, that some think it is perfectly acceptable to hide behind a keyboard and violently abuse others, while maintaining supposed anonymity.
If I were Matthew Bentham, and my family were the recipients of such abuse, I would do a lot more than just pull the plug on Twitter.

While I agree with what you say,your very last bit is the worry for me.he may just pull another plug.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

All I want to say is.....Three years ago this weekend we played Tranmere Rovers at home and they were top of League One, cruising and nailed on for promotion. They beat us 2-1....the rest as they say is history


Yesterday Tranmere were playing Bromley in the Bananarama league, 5th tier of football. That could have easily been us, but it isn't and its thanks to Matthew Benham.

So to all the ones who have been giving him grief on social media, just think!


JB

 

[absenteebee]

Glad to now see a number of fans DO get it. #COYB

 

[Delbee]

All I want to say is.....Three years ago this weekend we played Tranmere Rovers at home and they were top of League One, cruising and nailed on for promotion. They beat us 2-1....the rest as they say is history


Yesterday Tranmere were playing Bromley in the Bananarama league, 5th tier of football. That could have easily been us, but it isn't and its thanks to Matthew Benham.

So to all the ones who have been giving him grief on social media, just think!


JB

Well said, there's a lot being put on this thread, glad to see the large majority are backing Matthew Benham. I have said many time thank you Matthew Beham, now if you can forget this pillocks,anyone can hide behind Social Media, bet they would not in a face to face situation.

Us older fans do appreciate what's being done now

 

[cromerbee]

Well said, there's a lot being put on this thread, glad to see the large majority are backing Matthew Benham. I have said many time thank you Matthew Beham, now if you can forget this pillocks,anyone can hide behind Social Media, bet they would not in a face to face situation.

Us older fans do appreciate what's being done now

500 percent in agreement and I never exaggerate !!!!

 

[BeeJames]

I can think of 100 Million very good reasons why these keyboard warriors should think twice before criticising Mr Benham.

 

[Adam]

the death of the club? if owners, directors, players and other fans can't take stick then they are in the wrong business, I'm sure MB was exactly the same 20 years ago, slagging off all and sundry after a loss and praising them to high heaven after a win...

You think MB abused club officials' family when he was unhappy with our performance or transfer dealings?

 

[Frothybaby]

It worries me that MB would chuck it in. I'm glad he is coming out of tw*tter and Facebook. Why expose yourself to those who are happy to abuse. What a waste of thought. Yes, MB is gambling, but I don't see that the scale of loss outweighs the scale of win. He's applying everything he can to enable us to compete and get the right players, and that includes playing attractive football.

The ultimate for any club is to nurture their own Busby Babes and take Europe by storm winning all honours (but not by defeating all as that probably would get a bit dull). We aren't there and are unlikely to have it happen, that's the beauty of football.

I do miss the exclusivity of supporting Brentford and expecting the worse outcome in every situation (perversely). However that does not mean I want to change the most exciting three seasons (out of four) in my time supporting Brentford. I can't wait for every game and bit f news (other than the daily rags) to see what's going to happen next. I will be forever grateful to MB for what he has done for me. Will my voice be as powerful as those who rant and distrust him, unfortunately not. I also clapped Webb and Noades, not realising that they would turn into parasites. MB's business will benefit hugely by Brentford being a success, but I don't know if he will personally other than his enjoyment.

 

[Frothybaby]

Just re-read this post. Unsure how it comes across, but let me state unequivocally that I see MB as the best thing to happen to Brentford in my lifetime. I hope those seeking to make him unhappy do not have any affect on him. I want him to succeed and take Brentford along with him. No more Carlisle or Torquay away unless in cups!

 

[gashbee]

Just re-read this post. Unsure how it comes across, but let me state unequivocally that I see MB as the best thing to happen to Brentford in my lifetime. I hope those seeking to make him unhappy do not have any affect on him. I want him to succeed and take Brentford along with him. No more Carlisle or Torquay away unless in cups!

IMO we should be inserting matthew benhams name in the Sammy Saunders song too!!

 

[bostonhanwell]

MB is an intelligent guy who I would imagine will have come into this with his eyes open and, will have developed a thick skin while building his business empire. I cannot see that a few idiots on social media (most of whom are probably not even Brentford fans) could make much impact.

Perhaps more likely is some problem with the CPO which has the potential to seriously put a spanner in the works in regards to our future sustainability may be the one thing that could force him to reconsider his involvement.

 

[HerefordB]

MB is an intelligent guy who I would imagine will have come into this with his eyes open and, will have developed a thick skin while building his business empire. I cannot see that a few idiots on social media (most of whom are probably not even Brentford fans) could make much impact.

Perhaps more likely is some problem with the CPO which has the potential to seriously put a spanner in the works in regards to our future sustainability may be the one thing that could force him to reconsider his involvement.

Lionel Road is far from a done deal I think. It would be a bitter disappointment for Matthew Benham and all supporters if it didn't happen. Enough, when coupled with the abuse he and his family have suffered on social media, for him to cut his losses? Maybe.

 

[HerefordB]

While I agree with what you say,your very last bit is the worry for me.he may just pull another plug.

Perhaps a lot will depend on Lionel Road getting the green light.

 

[liverbee]

Amazing turn around in 3 years. What's this Twitter and Facebook stuff people are going on about? Square Eyes and Flat Brains sorts ain't it?

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

The Lionel Road project is far more important than this season's comings and goings.

With it, we can hope to compete on equal terms with other clubs in this league and have a serious crack at promotion once in a while. It will be a lot easier to attract and retain talent and the long term prospects of the club will be transformed.

Without it, we are doomed to a perpetual hand to mouth existence. Relegation back to League 1 will sooner or later be inevitable and, in the long term, we will be destined to play mostly in Leagues 1 and 2 with perhaps occasional periods in the Championship (at best).

 

[BeeJames]

Hopefully any failure to secure the Lionel Road approval will represent a delay (albeit a serious one) rather than a total abandonment of our plans. The site is an attractive option for all sorts of reasons - proximity to GP being the obvious one, but if it becomes impossible I like to think the response would be to switch focus to an alternative. It's not like there's a shortage of brownfield sites in the extended area. I'm sure there are numerous "Plan B's". With a project of this scale, you don't commit all your hopes and resources to a single option over which you don't have ultimate control.

 

[Shirley Bee]

All I want to say is.....Three years ago this weekend we played Tranmere Rovers at home and they were top of League One, cruising and nailed on for promotion. They beat us 2-1....the rest as they say is history
10 years ago before MB took a controlling stake, we were staring the Bananarama league in the face. Without MB we would be playing At the same level as Stockport County.

Yesterday Tranmere were playing Bromley in the Bananarama league, 5th tier of football. That could have easily been us, but it isn't and its thanks to Matthew Benham.

So to all the ones who have been giving him grief on social media, just think!


JB

 

[wanderer paul]

Lionel Road is far from a done deal I think. It would be a bitter disappointment for Matthew Benham and all supporters if it didn't happen. Enough, when coupled with the abuse he and his family have suffered on social media, for him to cut his losses? Maybe.

Sorry, but that's poop.

Lionel Road will happen. Be patient. You seriously believe mb has spent around £25 mill on this to see it all disappear?

Also, he won't "cut his losses" and walk away. His legacy will be to leave Brentford in a stable and sustainable condition before he thinks he's ready to move on and let someone take over.

Have some faith.

 

[Shirley Bee]

Before MB took a controlling stake from BU, we were staring at the Bananarama League. Today, we could be playing at the same level as Stockport County without his nous and his cash. The sooner Lionel Road goes through the better (to stop all these nervous posts).

 

[The Pipe]

Have to say I have been flabbergasted by some of the doom mongering seen on here, relegation threads, panic about players leaving or not arriving, changing of management and desire to change the basic formation that we play, plus now worries that LR won't happen

Now it may be that I have reached an age that I am relaxed about it all, however having watched a load of dross in the past 58 years I am now loving where we are, something that without MB would not be possible

Seems some demand instant success and the fact we are not in the top 2 is a failure!!!! Equally the fact we are not shelling out loads of cash to buy new players is seen as negative and a sign of a lack of ambition

We are a small fish happily performing well beyond our natural position in the pyramid. Our gates are some of the lowest yet despite that we are still seen as an attractive proposition for players that understand football.

Quite frankly I fail to understand what there isn't to like, we are playing " big teams" and are more than holding our own, as I look at the table only 9 clubs are better than us, all of whom have big gates, recent History and pay decent wages

I will never complain about supporters however there are a number, both new and old, who seemingly have no conception of just how good it is supporting this club in today's world. For them I have the simple message, be patient, stop over reacting at the first sign of trouble and, most importantly, trust MB. His track record to date is pretty damn good and quite frankly his drive, belief and ambition will ensure sustainable success at Lionel Road

 

[Billy Hunt]

I have done just that and responded to it,as far as I see it ther are those amongst us who have an agenda or have strong opinions from stuff last season and don't want to be seen to be wrong.They are desperate to say I told you so .The fact that after a great win yesterday the volumn of posts are way down than if we had lost.

Good work, Bill.

 

[IslandBee]

On one hand we have some calling for MB to create a PR narrative and, on the other hand, we have some that should know better feeding the negativity and misinformation around the club. Questioning MB's decisions is one thing, constant digging on a personal agenda is undermining the club and driving divisions in its fans. It's easy to make comparisons between this season and last; there's a bigger picture and we should be contrasting the next 5 years with the last 50.

I am one of the people you refer to who would like the club to conduct its PR more professionally and I also think it would benefit enormously from entrenching more systematically the 'critical friend' relationship with fans that Owlsmoor mentioned above. I think this not because I have any desire to undermine MB - I have absolutely none - but because I think it would make the overall management of the club significantly easier. I have zero sympathy for those incessant critics of all things Benham, who seem unprepared to understand his centrality to the events of the last ten years. However, I am not surprised that some fans find it difficult to adopt a 'Just Trust Matthew' approach and are uncomfortable with the idea that he can do whatever he wants. People have invested too much time, emotional energy and money in the club to simply let go, but I am pretty sure that with a few tweaks here and there most of those who currently feel disenfranchised could be brought back on board.

 

[Dave Bond]

Have to say I have been flabbergasted by some of the doom mongering seen on here, relegation threads, panic about players leaving or not arriving, changing of management and desire to change the basic formation that we play, plus now worries that LR won't happen

Now it may be that I have reached an age that I am relaxed about it all, however having watched a load of dross in the past 58 years I am now loving where we are, something that without MB would not be possible

Seems some demand instant success and the fact we are not in the top 2 is a failure!!!! Equally the fact we are not shelling out loads of cash to buy new players is seen as negative and a sign of a lack of ambition

We are a small fish happily performing well beyond our natural position in the pyramid. Our gates are some of the lowest yet despite that we are still seen as an attractive proposition for players that understand football.

Quite frankly I fail to understand what there isn't to like, we are playing " big teams" and are more than holding our own, as I look at the table only 9 clubs are better than us, all of whom have big gates, recent History and pay decent wages

I will never complain about supporters however there are a number, both new and old, who seemingly have no conception of just how good it is supporting this club in today's world. For them I have the simple message, be patient, stop over reacting at the first sign of trouble and, most importantly, trust MB. His track record to date is pretty damn good and quite frankly his drive, belief and ambition will ensure sustainable success at Lionel Road

Brilliant post

 

[Les Beeavinu]

I am one of the people you refer to who would like the club to conduct its PR more professionally and I also think it would benefit enormously from entrenching more systematically the 'critical friend' relationship with fans that Owlsmoor mentioned above. I think this not because I have any desire to undermine MB - I have absolutely none - but because I think it would make the overall management of the club significantly easier. I have zero sympathy for those incessant critics of all things Benham, who seem unprepared to understand his centrality to the events of the last ten years. However, I am not surprised that some fans find it difficult to adopt a 'Just Trust Matthew' approach and are uncomfortable with the idea that he can do whatever he wants. People have invested too much time, emotional energy and money in the club to simply let go, but I am pretty sure that with a few tweaks here and there most of those who currently feel disenfranchised could be brought back on board.

If they could logically and clearly explain why they feel disenfranchised it would help. Too most people it feels baffling given where we are as a club these days. At the very moment I say that, Huw Jenkins of Swansea pops up on the screen - I wonder if he had to contend with this when Swansea were rising through the divisions to become the top 30 club they are now.

 

[aawharris]

The reason we don't go to the media and shout about our transfer targets is because other clubs that aren't set up as well as we are will take notice -
"Oh, i see Brentford are tracking Player X, they must have done their homework on him - lets put a low bid in and offer him 5 grand a week more than they can and he's ours"

 

[gbems92]

I think benham and rasmus stated our goal is to get into the premiership and now people take it so literally asif its a failure to not be in the top 4 or 5 of the league and now some people expect instant success. They think "getting rid" of warbs was supposed to be a master plan to instantly go one better than the play offs when it just isnt the case. The plans were to build for the future and i have no doubt that the hierachy would have it in the back of their minds that we could be taking a step backwards to take two steps forwards. Even so we are still punching above our weight, still playing good football and despite what people say we are doing our upmost to keep our best players and not looking to sell them off as some people would have you believe. Weve had a rough patch here and there but what football club doesnt, weve ridden the storm and still sitting in comfortable mid table with plenty of oppurtunity to rack up some more points and have a decent if not spectacular season.

 

[BerksBee]

No paranoia from me. MB deserves better and we have a lot of **** supporters sadly who act like spoilt kids and are incapable of looking at the bigger picture.

We're no different to any other football club in that sense, they all have their fair share of supporters who will criticise no matter what is done or achieved.

In a way, we're even more of a target than usual, given the unconventional systems we have in place. That in itself will always be a target for detractors and not just fans and supporters but the media as well.

Given that Matthew Benham is a very successful businessman, I rather suspect he's got a pretty thick skin and ignores much of what he sees on twitter and stays focused on running the club in the way he believes will ultimately bring success.

 

[liverbee]

I think it's wonderful that young players such as Canos and Pritchard have come on loan to this club and put up remarkable performances. That will not be possible in future due to rule changes. As for our new permanent signings, some have been initially disappointing, but usually because it takes a little time to find their roles. Impact signings, such as the Dagenham trio, don't always work out, but it turns out that Sam Saunders is still impactful on the pitch, even at this higher level and a good man to have around. Given that our most popular players are retained on the understanding that they will be allowed to move on, it must be quite difficult for the head coach to manage, but following last weeks soul-destroying first half, supporters were treated to a very entertaining and uplifting game yesterday. Again.

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

The Lionel Road project is far more important than this season's comings and goings.

With it, we can hope to compete on equal terms with other clubs in this league and have a serious crack at promotion once in a while. It will be a lot easier to attract and retain talent and the long term prospects of the club will be transformed.

Without it, we are doomed to a perpetual hand to mouth existence. Relegation back to League 1 will sooner or later be inevitable and, in the long term, we will be destined to play mostly in Leagues 1 and 2 with perhaps occasional periods in the Championship (at best).

agree

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

reading this thread again lol lol proper mental lol lol lol

mb must be laughing too lol lol lol lol

 

[gbems92]

We're no different to any other football club in that sense, they all have their fair share of supporters who will criticise no matter what is done or achieved.

In a way, we're even more of a target than usual, given the unconventional systems we have in place. That in itself will always be a target for detractors and not just fans and supporters but the media as well.

Given that Matthew Benham is a very successful businessman, I rather suspect he's got a pretty thick skin and ignores much of what he sees on twitter and stays focused on running the club in the way he believes will ultimately bring success.

We are different to other clubs in the sense we dont have a rich middle eastern billionaire , or crazy italian or the owner of harrods who wants a play thing. We have someone unique who is very clever ans one of our own and should have a bond with the supporters stronger than any other club can manage but some fans are driving a wedge between that.

 

[WarrenBee]

Thorn in the side ..

They are the leaders of the Twitter bellends.

I don't have a twitter account, nor do I read anything that is on there, so as far as what ever has been put on there by anyone I haven't got a clue. It's no secret that I'm very good friends with the TITS lads, and as far as I'm concerned they've only ever had BFC's best interest at heart (I forget how much money they've out into the club over the years), and long may it continue!
COYR!

 

[Gee Bee]

I don't have a twitter account, nor do I read anything that is on there, so as far as what ever has been put on there by anyone I haven't got a clue. It's no secret that I'm very good friends with the TITS lads, and as far as I'm concerned they've only ever had BFC's best interest at heart (I forget how much money they've out into the club over the years), and long may it continue!
COYR!

They keep referring to things "what's happening to my club" and seem a little miffed that they haven't got much of an inside angle any longer so refer them selves as "independent" in order that they can snipe and wonder why we are not offering big deals to some of the leaving players. Some of whom are now playing for teams below us in the division. They want "their" old club back. You know the one that spent 60 years in the lower 2 divisions apart from 1 and had fans needing to walk to Hartlepool to keep it alive. 10th in the championship seems pretty cool to me. They have gone for the chuckle brothers to the old muppet moaners. Shame.

 

[Billy Hunt]

Shame.

It is.

 

[We are Bees]

I don't have a twitter account, nor do I read anything that is on there, so as far as what ever has been put on there by anyone I haven't got a clue. It's no secret that I'm very good friends with the TITS lads, and as far as I'm concerned they've only ever had BFC's best interest at heart (I forget how much money they've out into the club over the years), and long may it continue!
COYR!

Maybe they don't feel as important as they once did ?

Very odd behaviour if they have still got the clubs best interests at heart ..

 

[Gee Bee]

Currently showing support for the Bruzon article says it all.

 

[RodBee]

After 63 years of mainly dross following Brentford home and away I am delighted with 10th in the Championship, a new ground on the way and an owner who has the club's (and therefore fan's) interests, desires and aspirations as his own.

It was not too long ago that I was helping with bucket collections, we were threatened with moving to Woking, walks to Wycombe and Hartlepool, Martin Allen cycling to Brentford, etc. etc. just to keep the club alive.

They may be gone but those years are not forgotten as we should thank Matthew Benham EVERY DAY for taking the club to these new levels and hopefully even higher.

 

[Bill Benn]

reading this thread again lol lol proper mental lol lol lol

mb must be laughing too lol lol lol lol

Well that doesn't appear to be true,maybe you can highlight what he would find funny.I would expect after dumping his Twitter account the last thing he would want to do is read through this thread.

 

[sonnyjim]

reading this thread again lol lol proper mental lol lol lol

mb must be laughing too lol lol lol lol

I do hope he is laughing to mate!!!!
Or we will be all doomed..
Where will the moaners be then??

 

[dbee3]

I do hope he is laughing to mate!!!!
Or we will be all doomed..
Where will the moaners be then??

In their element.

 

[hanworthbee]

I don't have a twitter account, nor do I read anything that is on there, so as far as what ever has been put on there by anyone I haven't got a clue. It's no secret that I'm very good friends with the TITS lads, and as far as I'm concerned they've only ever had BFC's best interest at heart (I forget how much money they've out into the club over the years), and long may it continue!
COYR!

agree imo they are committed bees fans who probably just moan when we lose and praise when we win....

 

[beeinireland]

We are different to other clubs in the sense we dont have a rich middle eastern billionaire , or crazy italian or the owner of harrods who wants a play thing. We have someone unique who is very clever ans one of our own and should have a bond with the supporters stronger than any other club can manage but some fans are driving a wedge between that.

We would be playing Premier League football this season if he was, as you say 'very clever' . We are now an average side playing average football.

 

[Houghton Bee]

We would be playing Premier League football this season if he was, as you say 'very clever' . We are now an average side playing average football.