What a wonderful programme The Big Match Revisited is showing games from the 1970s presented by Brian Moore. There was no shirt sponsorship, they were mostly British players and when they retired they often went into ordinary jobs or set up businesses because they didn't earn the mega wages of today. The pitches were very muddy and the players seemed to be much friendlier and more open than they are today. It was a golden era with lots of skill pace and some amazing characters. The ageing players would drift down the leagues as they got slower which you rarely get these days. Many of the old stadiums have been demolished to mske way for the retail complex type ground that lack the character of the old grounds and the clubs were owned by local people. The 70s truly was a magical and wonderful time to be a football fan.
You're correct in your summing up there (although anyone agreeing would have to be of a 'certain' age!)
The stadiums certain held more character than the soulless bowls we are building nowadays. Sunderland and Middlesbrough's grounds were especially nerve-shredding to visit in a way they just aren't now. In one way, that's good because the chances of being bushwhacked and robbed of possessions just aren't there any more but neither are the characters and the connections felt with the players. You could go into certain pubs and clubs in Liverpool and get to speak to Steve Macmanaman or Gary Stanley and the likes. The players are on a different planet now and don't frequent the places the likes of us go to.
Also, there are quite a few ex-players who still run pubs and you speak to them and they are dismissive of just how soft players are nowadays. They are fitter, faster and have better nutrition for sure but ask them to run 6 miles in the rain and they'll cite Human Rights legislation at you - or their bloody agents will!