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British Teams in Europe

It might surprise some of the younger forum members to know that in the 70s and 80s the whole country got behind British teams that were competing in European competitions, even rival fans!

I vividly remember cheering on Liverpool, Forest and Celtic in their European Cup exploits. It felt like they were representing us all.

What happened? How did the rivalry become so profound that everybody now wills defeat and humiliation on their neighbours?

Is it the fact that clubs today have lost their 'British' identity perhaps, because they have so many overseas players in the set up?

What do you think?

posted on 24/1/14

Personally I always cheer on any British teams in Eurpean competition. I vividly remember cheering the might Tottenham on in their sole Chanpions League campaign in 2010-2011, following their triumphs over the likes of FC Twente and Young Boys, Berne. What a season to remember

comment by (U18814)

posted on 24/1/14

Comment Deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 24/1/14

"What do you think?"

Saturation. Both in terms of games and participants.

Didn't it used to be 4 league teams max across all UEFA tournaments (champions in Champions Cup, league #2/3 in UEFA Cup, FA Cup winner in CW Cup) ??

So yes, you got behind the other clubs more. Especially the Champions cup participants (who were representing the best of your domestic league) .

posted on 24/1/14

Even if I find myself with a dislike of another English team generally, I have always found I will still support them in Europe, if it doesn't affect Chelsea. For instance, when United played Barca in the 2011 final, I cheered massively when Rooney scored.

I even remember supporting Tottenham in their champions league run. There is no point having your experiences on an anonymous Internet forum change how you view a club, because as well all know, people are not the friendliest on the internet. I've no doubt some of the biggest WUMs on the site are completely different when you are chatting face to face.

Just the way it is I suppose.

posted on 24/1/14

The common view that I encounter is that Chelsea and City have 2 of the 4 places nailed down due to their mulit billionaire lottery wins. This leaves only 2 places for the clubs that try to balance the books and inevitably leads to extra annoyance.

That night we did City 0-1 at their place to qualify was superb but we all knew deep down they would be back in a major way.

comment by (U18814)

posted on 24/1/14

Comment Deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 24/1/14

Yes Crouch, what a night that was.

Of course having got us into the CL several months later in Madrid he got us out!!

posted on 24/1/14

PawlBawron

The common view that I encounter is that Chelsea and City have 2 of the 4 places nailed down due to their mulit billionaire lottery wins.




comment by Chronic (U3423)

posted on 24/1/14

don't mind seeing city and united do well in the CL this season.

and am backing swansea in the europa league.


chaaavs and arsenal can faaack off though

posted on 25/1/14

There was also no forums like 606 to have a go at rival fans so the dislike did not boil over and abuse would be saved up and probably forgotten by the next time the two teams did battle. There was far less televised matches also so less scrutiny on the game, the officials & less pundits opinions Jimmy Hill aside.

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