when you ‘support’ a team, what does that actually mean?
Definition of the word ‘support’ :
A/ you support a sports team or a sports player, you want them to win, and might show it by going to watch them play:
B/ to give encouragement to someone or something because you want him, her, or it to succeed
Seems to me that’s there’s a huge difference between A & B.
and are you really supporting the team if you’re not BOTH A & B?
Is it simply a fact that those that constantly moan and criticise are the A’s? They’re only interested in ‘following’ a winning side?
And are those that don’t chide and gripe, and try to be hopeful (if not expectant) are they mostly B’s ?
so perhaps if you’re not a B you’re not a supporter, but just ‘follower’?
and if you are just a B, are you helping or hindering the team and their chances?
...it seems the latter.
Grot never got going at Leeds... perhaps too early for him, or perhaps he was never going to make the grade. but clearly the abuse he received affected him according to an interview he’s just given.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Grot was asked about his first season at Leeds United: “My self-confidence became less, my game too...
Trainers and teammates continued to support me, and there were also supporters who said: ‘He’s young and you still have to get used to him, give him time’. But they were drowned out by whistling people in the stadium, by hateful Twitterers. It was also me, if ten people are positive and one negative, then the words of that one will remain."
Chris Wood got the same treatment in his first year. Perhaps due to his age, his determination, or his thick skin, he got through it and proved those people wrong.
We may have a weak squad, the owner might have a ton to learn still, his management team may need a shake up, and we might not have £100m to spend....so there are lots of areas one can aim both barrels at.
but next time you’re taking aim..........remember the word ‘support’
Supporters or not ??
posted on 30/7/18
comment by Sol (I'm full of hate, apparently) (U2745)
posted 9 seconds ago
comment by Kamara's left foot (U21862)
posted 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
I have never been to ER & consider myself as a fan ( fan being short for fanatical - motivated or characterized by an extreme, uncritical enthusiasm or zeal) rather than a supporter. I see a supporter as a fan who regularly financially supports the club, whether it be by buying tickets for games or buying official club merch.
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I agree with Stevie, you're a fan and a supporter. Can I ask why you've never been to ER? Geography?
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Lack of disposable funds
posted on 30/7/18
comment by Sol (I'm full of hate, apparently) (U2745)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 8 hours, 57 minutes ago
I have a junior in my programme who is a challenging character.
Easily distracted, frequently blaming circumstances or others, things aren't always fair etc.
His mother said to him, do you want a coach who just says you're doing great, or do you want a coach who pushes you, doesn't let you coast through sessions, comes to your competitions to support you, cares how you get on....
When people are not happy with something at the club it's because they want the best, they want it to be successful, they care and you know what, we have been through some really sh yt times the last 15 years and then before in the 80s too, but we're still here and have a right to air views
10 different supporters will have 11 different views on Leeds.
What isn't right though is when dissatisfaction with players is raised to hatefully and in your face as some of the bile spawn on twitter and from crowds to players and their families.
I think clubs need to have folk who can help the players deal with the public spotlight (not just media training) but how to deal with the feedback, maybe the PFA help with this.
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There's some proper mental gymnastics going on here.
You're basically giving yoursen a free pass by saying you care. It's total bull$hite.
No idea what relevance your 'challenging character' story has.
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posted on 30/7/18
The abuse some of our own players get is unacceptable. Grot is young and clearly has been affected by the treatment dished out to him.
It's not about giving them tough love - you can do that in a one on one coaching environment maybe, but en-masse it's just futile and unless you have a soulless borg wearing the shirt, then it's going to have a detrimental impact.
There's d11111cks who abuse Phillips every game, without fail. The instant he makes an error he gets abuse, loud and vocal. But utter silence when he scores or makes a good challenge.
The fans have a part to play and abusing the players shouldn't be part of it.
posted on 30/7/18
I'll hold my hands up on Phillips although I never vocally abuse any player at ER or elsewhere. Just JA606. In fact the only person to get verbal abuse from me was Colin. A man with no eyebrows deserves abuse in my opinion ()
I can't fathom why Phillips gets a game under different coaches although I will concede that it he appears to be improving, more consistent under Bielsa.
My "abuse" has never resorted to name-calling simply stating that he isn't good enough for this level let alone Leeds United. Happy to be proven wrong.....
posted on 30/7/18
Fans/supporters can and should express opinions on players on forums like this, I've no issue with that. The game is about opinions and we all have them (certainly on here!!).
I just don't get the direct abuse some players get from "fans/supporters" - but it maybe just me and I accept that.
Colin - never could warm to that guy, as much as I thought he may actually be a good coach/manager!
posted on 30/7/18
I remember sitting near a guy who absolutely hated Neil Kilkenny, which I always thought was unfair. Everytime he touched the ball he would shout at him. Then he scored a banger against Yeovil, and whilst the entire ground was celebrating this one guy just stayed sat down, his arms crossed.
No idea what Killers had done to pi$$ him off.
posted on 30/7/18
My best mate (now sadly departed) rang me as I was driving into ER to say that Colin was a done deal and would be in the crowd that day. I think it was Doncaster Rovers.
I can remember the reports afterwards about how Colin turned the game on its head by visiting the changing rooms at half time.
I suspect the players were hoping 3 points would keep Neil in a job and prevent the self-proclaimed promotion guru away from ER.
Terrible man, never liked him and never will.
posted on 30/7/18
Basically its the Internety thingy, it gives people the right to abuse anyone they want, but, when you get hot heads that think they can do better than others on it then you have the right environment to damage anybody!..
There are a lot out there that don't like it when someone is doing what they cant, but when players are not as good as the star players the morons will help their world fall apart!..
Some of it's jealousy but having said that, some of it is people posing as fans of clubs they have nothing to do with!..
I wouldn't be surprised if some of it isn't players from other clubs having a go knowing players are having a bad time!..
posted on 30/7/18
comment by JonnyLosAngeles (My dad was made in Leeds) (U9756)
posted 18 hours, 56 minutes ago
Salonika, good article but to whom are you addressing the article:
A) the Elland Road boo boys,
B) posters here,
C) some other group,
D) a combination of the above?
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Good question Stevie
I suppose I started the article because I felt so sad with the realisation that ‘supporters’ really could have such an impact on the team/players that we’re all so desperately (yes, i think after 15 years that is the right word) hoping will do well.
In answer to your question, undoubtedly, the Elland Road boo boys come top in the criticism league table. but you have to accept that players must also read the written word across various forums/twitter, etc which must be similarly impactful. There’s many in here, and in other forums too, who are apt to comment with vitriol rather than reason.
I totally accept the right of fans to vent frustration. We all want a winning formula. But maybe sometimes, for me, it’s about where that frustration is targeted.
Take Grot. Oft shoved on by Christiansen late in a losing game. High pressure put on a young lad.
I actually thought a lot of Christiansen, but in hindsight, you have to say maybe more of the ‘fault’ lies with Christiansen than Grot, who clearly wasn’t ready?
So was it right that the keyboard warriors (here, and elsewhere) targeted Grot rather than Christiansen? Have to say, i can’t remember seeing much of the latter.
Written and verbal ‘opinion’ oft verges on abuse.
I’m really sorry to have to say it, but I fear the intelligence of some of those giving it ain’t got a clue as to the difference.
posted on 31/7/18
How much of it was Christiansen having no regard for Grot’s wellbeing and His much if it was desperation with a threadbare squad and maybe even pressure to play him from Orta etc?
Having just watched ‘do you want to win’ hearing how whole squad would be dressing room how they all socialised together, you hear a very different story from Grot.
I’d like to see the club build towards that Wilko culture if a team togetherness looking out for each other, you never know, that might then transmit to wider community.
I’ve never booed a player, I’ve never abused them or their families on social media, but you’re always going to have idiots doing this I’m afraid.