Football has undergone significant changes in recent years, and former Sunderland chairman Sir Bob Murray has witnessed these transformations firsthand. In his new book, ‘I’d Do it All Again’, Murray reflects on the evolving nature of the game and the erosion of its community foundations due to state ownership and the rise of sportswashing.
Murray highlights a particular incident that exemplifies the lack of basic decency in modern football. His wife, married to the chairman of Sunderland, was subjected to thorough searches of her handbag when visiting the boardroom at Chelsea. This excessive security measure was implemented due to the presence of Roman Abramovich, an owner whom Murray personally opposes. He suggests that Abramovich’s success and the subsequent emergence of sportswashing may have set a precedent for prioritizing geopolitical concerns over traditional values and respect for rival clubs.
In contrast, Murray recounts a heartwarming encounter with Sir Bobby Charlton, who arranged for his 10-year-old son to have a photo taken with the Champions League trophy during a Sunderland match at Old Trafford. Months later, Charlton presented Murray’s son with the cherished photograph, demonstrating kindness and thoughtfulness. This anecdote serves as a reminder of the more dignified traditions that should be upheld in football.
Drawing on his 20-year tenure as chairman of Sunderland, Murray delves into the complex themes of sportswashing and the financial challenges facing the game. He argues that these issues are diverting football from its core purpose of serving the community. Murray’s commitment to this ethos is evident in the construction of Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, which was financially sustainable and led to his involvement in projects such as St George’s Park and Wembley. To further support his community-focused approach, Murray has pledged that 100% of the book’s cover prices will go to the Foundation of Light, a charity associated with the club.
While the book covers Sunderland’s journey, including the takeover by Drumaville and the successes under managers like Roy Keane and Peter Reid, Murray emphasizes the rapid pace of change in football. He laments the transformation of the sport’s economic landscape, which has hindered the sustainability of clubs and their ability to retain talented players like Kevin Phillips.
Murray also expresses his concerns about Newcastle United’s ownership by the Public Investment Fund and the implications it holds. He highlights the divergent paths taken by Sunderland and Newcastle when negotiating media deals, with Newcastle’s directors benefiting financially while Sunderland prioritized investments in their academy. Murray suggests that this difference in approach has shaped the legacies of the two clubs, with Newcastle now owned by a Saudi consortium.
Critically, Murray questions the leadership of the Premier League and predicts that more clubs will lose their identity and connection to their communities. He believes that football should prioritize the well-being of society over individual interests and warns against the allure of sportswashing, where supporters turn a blind eye to the questionable origins of financial investments as long as their team achieves success.
In conclusion, Sir Bob Murray’s book offers a thought-provoking exploration of football’s changing landscape and the challenges it faces. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community and tradition in the sport, urging stakeholders to prioritize the long-term sustainability and values that underpin football’s true essence.