It is quite insane, and also sad, how, indeed, life does go on. After yesterday's tragic events in Manchester the focus of the British police, army, intelligence services and government is how to protect fans attending the FA Cup Final, and promotion play-offs this weekend. It's not talk of postponing or canceling, but of how to make sure it doesn't happens again. Is it wrong that life goes on? Does it mean we forget the victims, or is really a sign of strength? Manchester United are playing the Europa League final tomorrow. Is it fitting that they will be playing for the whole of Manchester, or is too soon to expect the whole of Manchester to care about a football match?
On a different note, but on an emotional level I feel there is a connection. Sam Allardyce surprisingly resigned as Crystal Palace manager today. Despite the reasons for his short lived reign as England manager, I've always had respect for him. It started when he turned Bolton into a decent, and fun, Premier League team. He was more than just a 'honest, old fashioned, football man'. He was a lot smarter than many people thought and introduced the use of scientific analysis as a coaching tool at Bolton. And he did always come across as honest. Even when he messed up with England, he admitted his error.
He quit today, he said, because he wants to spend time doing the important things: travelling and spending time with his family and grandchildren, things he cannot do as manager of a Premier League team. He owes it to his wife, he said. Good for him, I say. I wonder if the events of yesterday made him thing about the importance of enjoying a stress free life outside of football.
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