In football and also in politics, we must balance high hopes with realism | Politics

It’s not the hope that kills you, in either football or politics; it’s unrealistic expectations (It’s the hope that kills you – so fingers crossed for Andy Burnham, 14 July).

When it comes to football, writing as a Scot, I know that all too well. Despite us never making it past a World Cup group stage, expectations were high this time, born of the giddy qualification drama of our spectacular Hampden win against Denmark. Then reality hit hard.

For England, the problem has always been the expectation that you’ll win the whole thing, as though it’s your birthright as the “home” of the game. Again, it only leads to crushing disappointment. Although this year may prove to be a release from that curse; we shall see.

In politics, though, the same mindset is more injurious than an early flight home. People’s expectations are absurd. Like those on the left who are already compiling shopping lists for Andy Burnham, and will no doubt end up furious if every item on the agenda isn’t ticked off in record time.

The result? Resentment, anger, and the kind of baked-in intransigence – devoid of any realism, compromise and understanding – that is only driving people further apart to extreme positions. I fear we need more than crossed fingers; we need a whole new political ballgame. And fast.
Colin Montgomery
Edinburgh