It has been said that only two things of any note have come out of Wales - Tom Jones and the Severn Bridge.
A little unfair even though there is no one who puts a song over quite like 'The Voice'.
But in 2001 there is certainly one thing that makes Wales the envy of every sports fan in this country and that is the Millennium Stadium.
With the uncertainty over Wembley now surpassing a Brian Rix farce, I wonder if any of the powers-that-be have considered hiring the contractors who constructed the Welsh stadium to build a carbon copy somewhere off the M40?
However impressive the stadium is, and it was a fitting venue for the FA Cup Final, it cannot hide the fact that this year the game lost a lot of its magic.
Without wanting to be xenophobic, I think a lot of it is due to the mass influx of foreign players. I'm all in favour of foreigners playing here, but in moderation.
In May 1975, West Ham fielded an entirely English team. Last Saturday, including the subs, only 13 out of the 32 players on the teamsheet were British.
An appearance in the FA Cup final is the dream of every British footballer but what does it mean to the likes of Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Berger and Hyypia? I think they just view it as another game.
I believe my theory was highlighted by Michael Owen's equaliser on Saturday. Look at the goal celebration, four specific Liverpool players are going ballistic whilst the others, although obviously elated, are making their way back to their own half. Who were the four? Owen, Fowler, Heskey and Carragher, all English and all players who understand the tradition and heritage of the world's greatest competition As sure as Greece and Cyprus giving each other 12 points in the Eurovision Song Contest, the main topic of conversation among Albion fans this summer will be the possible departures of Messrs Adams and Zamora.
Regarding the Albion manager first and foremost, I would like to state that I don't want him leave the club. His achievements at the Albion put him right up there as one of the greats in the club's history.
Championships, promotions and cup finals have all featured in the club's first 100 years, but how many of the Albion's former managers could have done what Micky has done on a limited budget and maximum crowds of fewer than 7,000?
He could manage at the highest level and I believe one day he will. If he were to go tomorrow, he would leave the club in a far healthier state than when he arrived.
As it is, I hope he does stay long enough for Falmer to be well on the way and his successor to inherit a team in Division One, or at worst knocking on the door.
Zamora is a class act and a long-term prospect. With this in mind perhaps Dick Knight and his board might explore the possibility of selling him now to a big club for £3 million, which nowadays is small change to one of the elite, and then getting him loaned back for next season.
If Ipswich, for example, did that then surely Bobby would develop more as a striker playing in Division Two rather than playing reserve team football at Portman Road? How much will he be worth this time next year with another 25 goals to his name? Albion, for their part, would get him for one more year, but use the transfer fee to strengthen the squad for Division Two and beyond.
Brian Ralfe questions which planet I'm on for suggesting that Brighton and Hove City Council should foot the bill for Falmer. The same one as you, Mr Ralfe and the one where it is the duty of the local authority to provide top class facilities for its residents, whatever the cost.
Otherwise a great letter Brian. One point though, how can you describe Withdean as Withdean 2000's home ground when they are a new club who have never played a league fixture in their short existence?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article