Gravesend Reporter

[Alan W (GNFC)]

This article was in this weeks Gravesend Reporter:-

 

Gravesend Reporter Article on Foreign Fans

[PatMan]

Quite a good read as I recall...

 

Still cant understand the lure of watching/paying for a team that ye have no real links to...

 

But, thats football for ye

[waggamick]

Good article.

I know people over here who live in New South Wales...follow Carlton in the Aussie Rules...know every player...even wear their caps, have the key rings and bumper stickers...and have never been to a game.

Not just a Carlton game...any top level AFL game.

A lot of it is related by the instinctive human urge to belong.

I've always wanted to be long...but the surgeons say they can only do so much and the cost is prohibitive.

[Slartibartfast]

Originally Posted By: PatMan

Still cant understand the lure of watching/paying for a team that ye have no real links to...

Manchester United?

[DA11]

Originally Posted By: PatMan

Quite a good read as I recall...

Still cant understand the lure of watching/paying for a team that ye have no real links to...

But, thats football for ye

I agree was a good read. Although I feel The Reporter should have issued a health warning before publishing the picture of the Myfc crew.

[BustaGut]

Originally Posted By: PatMan

Quite a good read as I recall...

Still cant understand the lure of watching/paying for a team that ye have no real links to...

But, thats football for ye

Is there not a lot of sports that do not have a fixed venue? Ie Cricket, car and bike racing, tennis etc, yet they all have one thing in common that is followings, from all around the world,IE formula 1 supporters maybe a follower of say Mercedes, bikes Honda etc etc, does not mean they drive or ride one, so surely there only real link, is they enjoy that sport so follow it.Also as pointed out Manchester United have a followers from all over the place.

[rsheard]

Originally Posted By: Alan W (GNFC)

This article was in this weeks Gravesend Reporter:-

Gravesend Reporter Article on Foreign Fans

Maybe a problem on the server, but the link brings me an error page. (Or perhaps they don't want foreign fans reading it.)

[Andrewc]

Originally Posted By: BustaGut

Originally Posted By: PatMan

Quite a good read as I recall...

Still cant understand the lure of watching/paying for a team that ye have no real links to...

But, thats football for ye

Is there not a lot of sports that do not have a fixed venue? Ie Cricket, car and bike racing, tennis etc, yet they all have one thing in common that is followings, from all around the world,IE formula 1 supporters maybe a follower of say Mercedes, bikes Honda etc etc, does not mean they drive or ride one, so surely there only real link, is they enjoy that sport so follow it.Also as pointed out Manchester United have a followers from all over the place.

Well said.

[Slartibartfast]

Originally Posted By: rsheard

Maybe a problem on the server, but the link brings me an error page. (Or perhaps they don't want foreign fans reading it.)

Given the state of the American education system they probably assumed you can't read.

[rsheard]

Originally Posted By: Slartibartfast

Originally Posted By: rsheard

Maybe a problem on the server, but the link brings me an error page. (Or perhaps they don't want foreign fans reading it.)

Given the state of the American education system they probably assumed you can't read.

As a teacher in that system, I can only nod my head in dismayed agreement.

[American FLEET FAN No1]

Originally Posted By: rsheard

Originally Posted By: Slartibartfast

Originally Posted By: rsheard

Maybe a problem on the server, but the link brings me an error page. (Or perhaps they don't want foreign fans reading it.)

Given the state of the American education system they probably assumed you can't read.

As a teacher in that system, I can only nod my head in dismayed agreement.

To make matters worse..The Americans refuse to accept Qualifications from other Countries, in Education, Job Skills or Safety. The American way is the only way..........Or leave the Country.......I wish I had a Buck for ever time I have heard that saying!

[waggamick]

I taught in Minnesota for a year and they had no trouble with my qualifications.

I quite liked the USA education system.

More student friendly than the pressure packed Aussie system.

 

[Slartibartfast]

Originally Posted By: American FLEET FAN No1

I wish I had a Buck for ever time I have heard that saying!

Get it.....Buck.....sounds almost exactly like F***

[PatMan]

Originally Posted By: BustaGut

Is there not a lot of sports that do not have a fixed venue? Ie Cricket, car and bike racing, tennis etc, yet they all have one thing in common that is followings, from all around the world,IE formula 1 supporters maybe a follower of say Mercedes, bikes Honda etc etc, does not mean they drive or ride one, so surely there only real link, is they enjoy that sport so follow it.Also as pointed out Manchester United have a followers from all over the place.

Missed the point, the majority of MyFC joined BEFORE the team was announced - then decided to support whatever team was thrust upon them.
With most sports you decide which team to support for personal reasons - where you live, family tradition etc. Even motor-sports, you decide you want a 'follow' a British driver, or a French team - but its still your own choice.
And I can't knock the dedication of the MyFC who travel from ANYWHERE to watch the side, after all that is what supporting a team is about.

And bringing ManYoo into it? Please, I thought this was a sensible board!

[waggamick]

Originally Posted By: PatMan

Missed the point, the majority of MyFC joined BEFORE the team was announced - then decided to support whatever team was thrust upon them.
With most sports you decide which team to support for personal reasons - where you live, family tradition etc.

Patman,
I do my own thrusting if you don't mind!
It was only that short term in prison that..................

As for picking a team to follow, there can be a myriad of reasons.
I followed Western Suburbs Rugby League team(the Magpies) from 1962 until the early '90's. My original motivation was that every other kid at school followed Canterbury-Bankstown (as we lived in Bankstown) and my natural perversity saw me seek out their sworn enemies.

Over time I developed a genuine affiliation with the club.

Ironically, given the current situation at EUFC, my interest waned when they amalgamated with the Balmain Tigers to become Wests Tigers.

[huwiet]

"With most sports you decide which team to support for personal reasons - where you live, family tradition etc. Even motor-sports, you decide you want a 'follow' a British driver, or a French team - but its still your own choice" PatMan

 

 

Not sure how much choice people have. Football affiliation seems to be influenced by family, friends or media. If not media, how come Chelsea seem to have so many 'fans' these days?? When I was 'young' it was Man U or Liverpool. Possibly Arsenal also, but not really Chelsea, unless you fancied BUTCH Wilkins.

 

Anyway, main point being; MyFC members have been most attracted by the idea that it is a move away from ridiculous over-commercialisation of football; absurd wages and WAGS. I accept that nobody knew which club would 'be the one', but isn't it acceptable that people can embrace a new club, once known?? Seems that loads of people, in UK (1980s+), were quick to jump on the American football bandwagon, and suddenly discover some love for the 49ers, Redskins, Steelers etc.. Despite never having a chance to watch a game in real life.

 

MyFC encourage people to get as close as possible to Ebbsfleet. I hope that both Fleet and MyFC will enjoy a happy relationship.

 

 

[huwiet]

PS. I grew up as a Cardiff City fan.. family/friends' influence.

 

[waggamick]

The Media has a huge (but often fleeting) impact on sports following.

Seven or eight years ago every kid (another exaggeration for the purpose of making my point)followed the Chicago Bulls.

The Michael Jordan factor was huge.

Media saturation saw a huge rise in kids playing basketball.

Jordan retired...so did the fans...then followed the media due to lack of interest to reach the point where a couple of years later, junior basketball associations are struggling to get enough kids for a comp.

[huwiet]

Hiya Wagga,

 

Love your Spanish proverb - I'm unemployed, and I do nothing, and then rest afterward... It's superb, apart from the money!!

 

Anyway, media, whether reporting football, US football or basketball; interest can be brief. However, the idea re: MyFC is that it isn't. I joined MyFC for the long-term - for better, or for worse; richer or poorer. Accepted that I will never get rich from this, but that was never my intention. This is all about getting away from over-paid players, Russkie(ish) billionaires and WAGS. It's about embracing a new club, from a fan's point of view - Hopefully with the approval of existing supporters.

 

Up The Fleet.

[PatMan]

huwiet - you wont (cant!) get rich from MyFC - but likewise, you can't get poor either...

 

And surely, if MyFC works to one of its original statements about the team having potential to reach the Prem League - you will have the over-paid players and WAGS!!

 

Has there been any discussion about what happens if this ever occured? If the whole MyFC idea worked, and Fleet were promoted 2 or 3 times and ended up in higher league football - this then would not be the 'grass-root' level that has attracted all the original members. Plus, if the club started to perform on the field - plenty more would sign up to say they were part of it... Would that put off some of the original MyFC? If their voice was one in 70, 80, 100,000 it would have less impact!