Whose Judgement do you trust?

I attended on Tuesday night, although, due to the fact I arrived at 19:30 and didn't get in until the 1st goal had been scored (saw it on the TV in the East Stand), my judgement of the game would probably have been less valuable than someone who listened on the radio!

Its an interesting question I have thought about a few times. Not going to repeat all the comments already made, most people seem to have a fair balance.

I'd only add a few things - I much prefer to be at the actual game, but that does not mean I get a better understanding by so doing.

What you get by being at the game (in addition to the excitement, enjoyment etc which for me beats watching in an armchair) is you see details that you won't see on tv. For example a few seasons ago I saw some things in an away game v Millwall that made me very dubious about players like Howson, they were little mannerisms and acts that I very much doubt I'd have noticed on a tv screen.

What tv gives is a better overall view, but its still not complete or perfect, its still edited by someone and from certain angles, and sometimes the camera does "lie".

One advantage of forums like this is I can read the multiple impressions of those at the game, if I have seen it on tv. Putting it all together does give me a better overall view.

But its not black and white, both have good and bad points.

The OP did not ask, but - for the record and since someone else raised it - people who go to games are not necessarily "better" fans than those who watch on tv. There's a host of factors that come into play there. I am just glad I support a club where large numbers will go to both home and away games, as the club needs the atmosphere they bring.

Usual informed comment, 20/20, excellent if I may say so....

"I am just glad I support a club where large numbers will go to both home and away games, as the club needs the atmosphere they bring."

On that point (at the risk of incurring Jims wrath) can I ask on a scale of 10 what would you rate the atmosphere yesterday compared to other 1st games of the season ?

btw.....This is probably one of the best threads I've seen on here for quite a while




so why am I the only one to rate it 5

Got the message.

Just cos Jims a grumpy old sod doesn't mean you can't appreciate his posts

I prefer to be at the game, nothing better particularly when the atmosphere is rocking. Brighton last season was one of the best games for action, atmosphere and result for a while.

I've sat in a box too at many stadia including ER and find that a poor substitute.

TV is great for picking up on the overall play and the replays but nothing compared to watching it live.

You get a better appraisal from the telly but it's just not the same as being there in the flesh.

You do miss a lot on TV. As a season ticket holder believe strongly in my opinions. Football is a lot more than what happens on the ball.

Great article, 5 stars

There's no substitute for being there at a game, though it's hard to see everything depending where you are, its a favourite excuse of many managers when it suits them.

What was anyones view at the game of Boris "goal" ?

I watched on TV and thought it was ok. Then seeing it again on replays I thought it was still good until they showed the refs position which looked to him like Warnock was closer than he actually was.