Some years ago, the BBC consumer programme Watchdog contacted me about my experiences with a company they were investigating. Although they used my quotes, I have never been a fan of the show, probably because I couldn't warm to the self-righteous bullying of the presenters, formerly Ann Robinson and now Nicky Campbell. But I made sure I watched last week because I had been tipped off that it would contain a feature on
'bladed boots'.
What are bladed boots? Basically, the traditional round studs are replaced with strips of metal or plastic, placed lengthways along the sole of the boot in strategic positions.
For years studs were considered dangerous if they had a diameter of less than half an inch but all the regulations regarding studs were removed from the Laws of the Game in 1990. Blades have much less width than previously demanded. Regular readers will know that when blades were first introduced, Reading Referees Association thought them dangerous and contacted the FA. They were told that blades were approved by FIFA and therefore considered suitable and safe.
Watchdog isn't the first in the media to show an interest in bladed boots. The Consumers' Association magazine
Which? has published articles on the subject and the latest edition has the story that Manchester United has banned its players from wearing them.
'While there is no firm evidence that blades cause injury,' their spokesman said, 'the club takes a cautious approach and doesn't allow players to wear them.' Other clubs have not been so circumspect. According to the
Sun, Ipswich boss Joe Royle, has called the boots highly dangerous, after summer-signing Sam Parkin required 20 stitches in a facial wound after a training ground incident.
The subject has also been aired on Radio Five
Live, when Professor Robert Ashford of the University of Central England said he is to research the boots, looking at the force they produce, which is an indication whether they can slice skin. On the programme with him was Gareth Risborough from Marlow, who had just had his fifth operation and is still unable to play 18 months after colliding with an opponent wearing bladed boots whilst playing for Staines.
Even the BBC Children consumer programme has been interested. Last season they asked me if I could find any players under 16, who had been injured by bladed boots and who would be prepared to appear on the show. Surprisingly none came forward. But on
Watchdog there was no shortage of players prepared to show off bad injuries allegedly caused by blades, or managers ready to speak out. Former Reading boss, Alan Pardew and Sheffield United manager, Neil Warnock, both called for the boots to be banned.
FIFA's response to the claims of Watchdog, was that at least one of the injuries shown was caused by damaged studs, suggesting that they are only dangerous when faulty. This is why the FA issued instructions to referees last season, which of course still apply, that all boots
must be inspected prior to games at all levels.
In my own experience, the number of players wearing blades is often as high as 80 per cent, showing how popular and what big business they are. There are 14 manufacturers now selling bladed-style boots, which cost up to £100. I haven't found any damaged ones yet but refereeing colleagues in the town have found some horrors, refusing to let players play in them.
Whether the campaigners against blades will succeed in getting them banned, I don't know, but the campaign is now much more high profile. In the meantime, players with bladed boots should take care of them - they know they are being watched.
Dick
Sawdon Smith