I guess kids are like it now too, but back in the 70s I seemed to know squads of all the other teams too. Looking back names are familiar no matter who they played for. Nowadays I don't even know who plays for us most of the time.
No sign of 'The Vile' - which is lovely. Wish they were back in the 3rd Division, where they were in my formatitive years. Possibly one of reasons why I hate their 'entitled' fans so much.
I guess kids are like it now too, but back in the 70s I seemed to know squads of all the other teams too. Looking back names are familiar no matter who they played for. Nowadays I don't even know who plays for us most of the time.
Can't speak for others but perhaps it's because like me you'd watch MOTD and Star Soccer as the weekly treat and take interest. Saturation these days with highlights on deamand, loads of live games, I don't really bother. Watch the odd championship game but haven't followed the PL since we were relegated, couldn't name more than half a dozen top players.
I think it was easier to remember players from back then because they stayed with teams for longer. Squad rotation was not a thing and most teams had a recognisable first XI. I reckon I could still have a good bash at naming the players from almost any team that was playing in the old Division 1 in the 70's from 72/73 onwards, even though its 50 years ago now. Alternatively I would struggle to name 11 players from most current PL teams. Another contributory factor which helped were football cards, which were a big thing back then.