THERE was a time when a lot of football was colloquial – Bolton Wanderers was part of the town’s fabric and likewise other historic clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United.

Clubs were like a town’s representative when they ventured around the country and the identity was enhanced when the football team hit the national headlines.

When Bolton were winning FA Cups, it reflected well on the town as a whole and those locals who followed the fortunes of the Whites went into work on a Monday morning in more upbeat mood. I’m sure production lines were running faster than ever after the 1958 triumph over United.

For many clubs around the country, the same ethos still rings true today and new Wanderers boss Neil Lennon has already spoken about restoring pride in the town by getting his new team winning matches.

But there is no denying the fact that at the top level, it is now a global game. You just have to look at the make-up of the crowd when you watch United, Liverpool, Chelsea or even the modern Manchester City.

There are as many overseas fans as locals now. Camera phones flash at every free-kick, the dreaded half-and-half scarves are awash everywhere and even more worryingly last weekend was the sight of one supporter outside Old Trafford with a custom-made half-and-half United/Chelsea shirt. The mind boggles.

For those clubs now part of the big business of the Premier League era, there will be no let-up in the search for new ways to make money and take their ‘brand’ out to a wider audience.

Just look at how many English sides now venture to America for pre-season, trying to tap into a market that is ever-growing as far as ‘soccer’ is concerned.

The Far East has also been a happy hunting ground for many and with the new Indian Super League beginning, I would not think it would be too long before football follows cricket and begins to tour the sub-continent.

For many traditionalists, it has gone too far but it will only become more widespread. In some respects, the Premier League has shown the way to reach out to other markets and it has not gone unnoticed.

We had another NFL game at Wembley last weekend and there is strong talk of a franchise actually being based permanently in London in the not-too-distant future.

It seems that is an ominous step that could be next for English football. Man City already have a franchise of sorts with their heavy involvement in New York City FC and Melbourne City.

Who knows, if rumours this week of a takeover at the Macron Stadium are to come to fruition we could see a Bangkok Wanderers linking up one day.