Parliament could hardly control its glee when Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe.

But I wonder how many MPs will still be smirking if football in this country suffers as a result of that monumental political change over a decade ago?

Last week it was Roman Abramovich at Chelsea, this week there's talk of Russian-backed takeovers at Aston Villa and Pompey. Who will it be next week, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool?

We are talking about mega-money. Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric is a very rich man, apparently losing 60 million dollars in an afternoon when the Nasdaq collapsed, but the people from Russia who have contacted him about taking over at Fratton Park boast wealth that makes him look like a financial pygmy.

But what happens if these Russian organisations get bored with their new toys or have enforced changes at the top in five years' time?

It is a frightening scenario. Let's hope the local media are not one day summoned to the Grand Hotel to hear Dick Knight say: "Good morning everyone, this is Sergei and he wants to buy the Albion!"

I wonder if, as the players of Worthing FC run out for their first Ryman League fixture at Woodside Road next month, the tannoy will play Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A Changing?

Because they certainly are and, although I think former manager Barry Lloyd was treated disgracefully by a couple of directors, I am excited about the prospect of Alan Pook's side challenging to become a Conference team.

It's long overdue and, although Pook is much-criticised in some quarters, no one can doubt his footballing credentials. He also has commercial nous, something that has been sadly lacking at Woodside Road in recent years.

The crowds will return if the side does well and to compliment that, Rebels must also think about nurturing the next generation of Worthing fans.

It's a bold step but might I suggest every child aged under 16 is given a voucher which entitles them to watch Worthing games for free, providing they attend with a paying adult?

Having taken my lad to Woodside Road, I can vouch that what Worthing lose on gate money, they will get back on the extra sales of programmes, coke, chips and burgers. such a scheme would also introduce youngsters to the joys of live football.

I'll come clean and admit it is not the first time I have made this suggestion. I did the very same thing sitting in the Woodside Road boardroom more than ten years ago but was looked at as if I was speaking a foreign language.

Hopefully, things might change now. Whatever people think about Pook, he knows youth are the future of the club.

On Sunday, Findon Cricket Club take another step along the road to Lord's when they entertain Hampshire champions Easton Martyr Worthy for a place in the last eight of the National Village Cup.

One of the attractions of village life is that everything is on a smaller scale but wouldn't it be good if cricket fans took the time to go along and support the men from Long Furlong?