Am I A Fan?

By: Nick Osborne
Date: 19/08/2001

A WHILE AGO I was asked this question. I'm not really sure of the answer although I gave it a little thought and was left wondering what actually makes you a fan. Is there any set criteria to being labelled a fan of a particular club? I don't think so, but it did make a think.

So back to the question, am I a fan? The answer is of course yes. I have been following the Town for years, through thick and thin, and always will.

I have never had any sort of allegiance to any Premiership team, nor am I ever likely to have. I probably have more of a tendency to 'support' a lower league club at times. In particular one of our closest rivals, Hull City. One can only admire what they achieved last season. From near extinction to the play offs. Good season for them.

"....I go to as many games as possible, both home and away...."

I go to as many games as possible, both home and away, depending on what shift I am on. I sometimes take desperate measures to listen to a game, like the time I phoned home on my mobile and made Chez put the phone next to radio so I could listen to the game.

I also know some people who have never been to a game before. Are they fans? They only follow the Town, they make every effort to listen to games whenever they can.The first result they look for is Towns.

There are people like the expats, who also never go to a game. Or maybe manage 4 or 5 games every 4 or 5 seasons. Are they fans? They used to go years ago before emigrating so they were fans then but are they now?

What about the people on the mailing lists, about half are regular attendees at BP is my guesstimate. Are the other half fans? They take part in all discussions about the club, with their own views and ideas but they don't go to matches. Are they still fans?

Another part of the question is if I don't attend the games but follow them in other ways, am I allowed to praise or criticise the club and the team?

Does being a regular attendee at matches give your opinion any more credence over someone who doesn't?

These where the thoughts that I had when I was asked if I was a fan and what makes you a fan. I still don't know the answer, but the question is still there for you all to ponder.

Are you a fan, and what actually makes you a fan? You've seen the question, and my thoughts. What do you think? Replies to the Pontoonites Message Board

Nicko

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