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These 268 comments are related to an article called:

So Why Do You Support Your Team?

Page 9 of 11

comment by X (U4074)

posted on 4/4/12

JLS I just got that, god I'm slow

posted on 4/4/12

OK, so I think I understand a bit better. There are some people out there that consider me a glory hunter, mainly because of geography and my lack of presence within the Emirates stadium.

That's fine, but it's not the whole story. I can say with every confidence that no one loves Arsenal more than I do. How I choose to show it can differ greatly compared to other, more traditional fans but that doesn't affect how I feel about my team. I adore Arsenal and I always will.

I hope my critics can understand that.

comment by X (U4074)

posted on 4/4/12

Melo - "So what initially appears to be nothing more than righteous indignation is actually an altruistic act of kindness?"

You'll have to expand, as I'm not sure what you are referring to. However I don't believe in altruism; in this case I believe football supporters are all expecting some sort of emotional pay off from their respective clubs, which is intensified for those that attend actual games.

Although simple entertainment is of course a major factor, as a City fan I can attest that I've enjoyed my match experience even when we lost. Even in our darkest hours there was a sort of spirit of comradeship the crowd shared x

posted on 4/4/12

comment by X (U4074) posted 4 minutes ago

JLS I just got that, god I'm slow

comment by dufclfc (U9602)

posted on 4/4/12

I've support Dundee United first an foremost and love them more than anything as they are my local team. Had a season ticket for 10 years out of my 20 (almost 21) years on earth untill I moved out to USA.

I also love Liverpool as when I was around 11 we had a footy tournament down in England sommewhere and on the way home the team I played for had a tour around Anfield. We got in the changing rooms, the dugout and in The Kop. Before we left my dad lifted me up to touch the This Is Anfield sign telling me I would understand when i'm older and of course I do now! Also the fact he has liked Liverpool was a major factor. I've been down to Anfield numerous times which is always special!

posted on 4/4/12

You'll have to expand, as I'm not sure what you are referring to.

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Don't worry about it. I was just being a tool.

I'm heading off for the night. Have a good evening all.

posted on 4/4/12

However there are studies which measure the elation effects of football, and glory supporters and even supporters of big teams just don't get as much out of it.

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Does that paint the full picture?

I was much more vocal when I was a kid. Jumping up and down in the Kippax whenever a goal was scored like a complete lunatic. Now when a goal is scored I stand up, cheer, and clap my hands. I certainly do not end up 10-20 feet away from where I started like I used to do.

Do a research into me at either period and the results would be significantly different. Yet I'm the same person, with the same background, who enjoys the goals just as much as I did when I was younger.

I, for one, wouldn't even like to begin to say how elated another fan feels, whether they are a supporter of a big club, small club, supported that club because their father (and his father) did, or because they follow the club for the glory.

But I will say one thing. A glory hunter, by definition, hunts glory. Would it not stand to reason then that because glory is something (s)he actively seeks, then when that happens they would get more satisfaction out of it, simply because that is the precise thing they are chasing (hunting) in their life?

posted on 4/4/12

The point about you getting more pleasure from success as a small team compared to specifically Arsenal is stupid. I can guarantee that when we do eventually end our drought, the trophy win will be celebrated as much as any win by a small club. Small club fans claim they have it the hardest, yet there's arguably more pain in supporting a good side that comes close to success every year but always falls at the final hurdle (Arsenal) than a mid-table mediocrity side.

posted on 4/4/12

At the end of the day if you want to be considered a genuine supporter, stick to your club and don't dessert it when the going gets tough. That's why I've got respect for those City fans out there who stuck by their club when they was in the third tier of English football.

posted on 4/4/12

Small club fans claim they have it the hardest, yet there's arguably more pain in supporting a good side that comes close to success every year but always falls at the final hurdle (Arsenal) than a mid-table mediocrity side

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A great point. Hats off for making it.

posted on 4/4/12

My name says it all really. Support the Father and He will support you . As for football teams, I believe it's perfectly fine to support/ follow more than one team. What matters is that as a child or whatever stage of life you begin following football, you pick a team (or two) and you stick with that team for life, through thick and thin; wins, draws and defeats; cup triumphs and trophy droughts; total football and long balls. That's what being a supporter means. We are not the mercenary footballers who switch clubs because they have missed out on Europe, got relegated or can get a higher wage elsewhere; we are the Carraghers of football who stay loyal to their chosen team (ignoring the boyhood Everton fan thing).

Why do I support my teams?
Liverpool: my nanna gave me a Liverpool, league champions duvet cover in '90 and the Liverpool seed was planted and flourishes to this day. (So it could be said I was originally a glory supporter but I don't care!) Could have been worse though as many members of my family support the arch enemy (lucky escape!)

Nottingham Forest: support your local! and also the first team I ever supported.

comment by Chronic (U3423)

posted on 4/4/12

Small club fans claim they have it the hardest, yet there's arguably more pain in supporting a good side that comes close to success every year but always falls at the final hurdle (Arsenal) than a mid-table mediocrity side

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good old choking goooners aye

i support spurs as i was born in enfield, live in five min walk from the ground, and dad and grandad were both spurs

posted on 4/4/12

My name says it all really. Support the Father and He will support you . As for football teams, I believe it's perfectly fine to support/ follow more than one team.

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I'm probably going to regret this, but is it fine to support/follow more than one religion?

posted on 4/4/12

Interesting how Spurs fans are calling us chokers

posted on 4/4/12

I've never agreed with following more than one team to be honest, it just doesn't look right. What if those two teams met each other one day in a match? There's no middle ground in a stadium.

comment by Chronic (U3423)

posted on 4/4/12

100% spurs choke too a lot, but if there is one team that are bigger bottlers it is certainly you.

posted on 4/4/12

Chronic is always 100% spot on.

comment by Chronic (U3423)

posted on 4/4/12

doovde my trusty sidekick

posted on 4/4/12

I've never agreed with following more than one team to be honest, it just doesn't look right. What if those two teams met each other one day in a match? There's no middle ground in a stadium.

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A perfect example of where it all falls down.

In that scenario, where do your loyalties lie? If the answer is with neither, then you'll never understand what it is to support one club and one club only.

Arab - you get it.

comment by Chronic (U3423)

posted on 4/4/12

Ripleys cat speaking sense again

everyone should listen to this man.

posted on 4/4/12

Thanks Ripleys

comment by MBL. (U6305)

posted on 4/4/12

Ripley you should be prime minister!

Best poster on here, one day you will evolve into an admin!

posted on 4/4/12

It's quite easy for me to explain why I support Bolton Wanderers.
There isn't another team that can replace the affections and memories you build up over 50 years of support, having first been taken to Burnden Park by my sisters' then boyfreind.

comment by MBL. (U6305)

posted on 4/4/12

Why do I support city, my whole family are reds but my best mate an his family were blues, who has more influence on a young mind.

Best decision I ever made, city til I die.

comment by X (U4074)

posted on 4/4/12

RipleysCat - your earlier point has a certain logic to it, however I would counter that the glory associated with your team winning is an entirely different thing to the elation one feels.

Glory hunters may hunt glory, and experience much of it, but because they don't forge an emotional connection (or at least only a weaker connection) with a team, they don't feel that elation.

The emotional connection comes from winning and losing with a team. It's the difference between watching your team and observing the result, and truly supporting your team and urging them to play better, hoping for the best outcome. It can make or break your week.

Glory supporters get only glory, they have bragging rights and get to be a bit smug, but that's all. You can't be a fan without being fanatical.

However the human soul is complex, and I think it's possible for some men to love two teams, in the same way some men can love two women, the problems arise if ever the twain shall meet x

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