However, it seems that not only do Sky not seem to listen to this statement, neither do football clubs. In particular the elite of English football.
The sad reality is that football is a business, most clubs being foreign-owned, where most owners have little to no affiliation with their "investment" other than that it will give them more personal wealth.
As the Premier League becomes richer with every season due to TV rights and high wage demands from players, supporters are becoming more and more disillusioned with the "product". With the league now seen as a "brand" sold to overseas customers, it is no surprise.
My beloved West Bromwich Albion try their best to engage with supporters. As a member of the fans group, the Albion Assembly, I see and hear the frustration at times from the club hierarchy that the Hawthorns never seems to sell out. Just last week, for the Watford game, the club launched its inaugural Diversity Day, celebrating fans from all walks of life who come together to follow the Baggies; whether they be white or black, gay or straight, male or female, able or disabled. It was a proud day for the club.
So, on a day where the fans and club were celebrating togetherness, it is quite ironic that, as ever, manager Tony Pulis continued to divide the fanbase with his philosophy.
Tony Pulis, for me, a product of the modern game, despite his "old-school" way. His way is all about getting the result he wants no matter how he gets it. The Watford game was a perfect example of how divisive the Welshman can be. A very ugly performance yet Albion were 2-0 up in less than half an hour. Two goals coming from five minutes of the only attractive piece of play from the home side. The other 85 consisted of 10 men behind the ball and a time-wasting goalkeeper. The game finished 2-2, where Watford's second came in the NINETY FIFTH minute of the game.
Pulis "apologists" will still say "we got a point from a Watford side who haven't lost away from home". Is that the point? 2-0 up before the half hour mark and had we continued with our positive mindset and our squad of quality, we could have had more goals or at least seen the game out comfortably.
After an angry tirade aimed at the Albion head coach, my dad turned to me and said "well, that's me done with Albion."
The club are trying their hardest to attract fans to the Hawthorns, mainly children (using revamped membership), but what are they doing to keep the longstanding supporters onside? My dad, as well as my older brother, have been season ticket holders in their same East Stand seats for over 15 years and in the past couple of years they have both said they are bored of it all. Pulis is a huge factor, but modern football in general where entertainment comes second, and sometimes nowhere near that!
You can use the argument "you should support your team through thick and thin". But on the flipside, why should they give, give, give when they aren't getting anything back? Clubs, players, managers, agents, Sky may all have the money, but what about us fans who pay more than we can afford to watch our team on a Monday night at the Emirates, just waiting for a Chris Brunt corner and a Gareth header, when we all know we will barely even cross the opposition half? Not only are us fans subjected to misery, but the team are humiliated to the world.
Many fans are simply happy to just dine at the top table of English football. That is fair enough and their opinion. However, "sold our souls for a Premier League point" rings very true to myself and others. I still enjoy going to games with my friends and family, seeing my favourite players and hope to see a good game of football from my team followed by a win. But there are many reasons still why I feel slightly let down by my football club in what they prioritise (caution over risk despite a quality squad and time spent in the top flight), as well how the Premier League are ruining football for its homegrown supporters.
