Metropolitan Police are playing in the FA Cup today, but none of the team are police officers. It's three years since the last police officer stopped playing as he couldn't get enough time off. Time off to represent the Met in sport was being denied by Scotland Yard 15 years ago and the police force is now more stretched than ever, particularly in London. Four Four Two did run a profile of the club some time back, but I have been unable to track it down online. At that time the support seemed to consist of equivalents of Sid and Doris Bonkers, the legendary supporters of Neasden FC in Private Eye. Apparently the usual crowd these days is around 90. It is seen as a brand and players are expected to behave in a police-like manner. Talking back to the referee is not tolerated. The broader issue here is the virtual disappearance of the works team, once quite common in non-league football. My father, as a former non-league player, had a particular dislike for them. Emplo...