DISAPPOINTMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The world is full of them.

I was incredibly disappointed when City failed to get elected to the football league in 1978. More disappointment followed with painful relegations in 1987, 1997 and 2012. I hoped that we would make the play offs this year but despite a strong finish we will be a few points short.

I wish my two sons were ardent City fans and more concerned about a better world, but they aren't. I think they are probably just reacting against my obsessive behaviour in the fields of sport and politics! I console myself that out there are lots of other parents who wanted children who are academic Tories but are equally disappointed!

As a young man in Bath in the 1970s I was convinced that one day we would have a fairer society by the time I reached my 50s. In fact we have a more unequal Society now than in Victorian times. Startlingly, if national wealth were £100, the top 20% would have £60 and the bottom 60p! And its getting worse.

Now that is a crushing disappointment.

But I am convinced that one day, hopefully through rational argument and a sense of fairness, we will achieve greater equality. Sadly I fear that the poor have become so cut adrift that change may come more violently.

I am also convinced that one day Bath City FC will play in the football League.

Amazingly we may now have a way to make that happen by joining with the Rugby Club at the Recreation ground. I really hope the Club see that there is a real opportunity to achieve something here.

My dream of a socialist world may be a little further away than I had once hoped but maybe my dream of a City team playing in the football league could be a little closer.

I hope Paul Williams and the City Board are bold enough to go for it.

City's season is all but over. The defeat at Gosport perhaps showed where we need to toughen up to be a top 6 side but at home to Farnborough on Easter Monday the team showed it's attacking qualities with an entertaining 4-2 win. Dave Pratt again starred and he has finished the season strongly with goals flowing more easily. If we can win at Concord Rangers on the last day of the season we can finish in a very strong sixth or seventh place. They have played 3 games in 4 days so surely we can overcome them?

Next week I will write my last post. I will ensure that it is upbeat and hopeful about the future!

Just a reminder that City's end of season presentation night is on Saturday 17th May at the Club. All are welcome. It's usually a great night with a chance to chat to the players.