137, Legion 04, V-Army, and More

[Legion04]

Ok. Funny this should come up again. At the beginning of the season, a thread called "I'm Getting Sick of This" appeared here on BigSoccer. I started that thread, it was highly amusing for many of you, but it was serious and did get its point across....kind of.

As the Crew comes home to face New England, we find ourselves in almost the same situation as Game 1. Lack of numbers, same-old same-old behind the goal, etc. Whatever we're doing....it isn't working. Chanting for 90 minutes is fantastic, I'm not going to go against that at all, because I do that, but we need more. Average Joe Shmo, who walks into CCS has to be tempted to join us. That is the problem we're confronted with.

Right now, what does the 'end have? We are consistantly around 30-40 people, sometimes more. Legion's numbers are consistantly above 10, sometimes near 20. It's an improvement, but we are not satisfied, no one should be. We have three flags, between Legion and V-Army as well as the C-R-E-W two-flagpoled banner. We have a strong core of devoted people who come, no matter the state of the Crew.

That's all fine and dandy, but it's not good enough. We are still the joke of MLS, with the exception of maybe San Jose Ultras (San Jose) and Black and Red Brigade (Metros), and of course our favourites SLC Hooligans (Real Salt Lake). We talked about how we could maybe challenge Section 8 (Chicago, Barra Brava (DC), Screaming Eagles (DC), La Norte (DC), Legion 1908 (Chivas), and others. We haven't done that.

I'm not trying to degrade any of the regulars of 137, those who chant all game, and support the club with passion. The problem is that we need more. We aren't exactly at the top right now. I have some suggestions.

Like I said, whatever we're doing, it's not working. We need to do something different. Here's my suggestions. We need more stunts, in fact, we've had none this year. We need a visual appeal, we don't have that. We need to coordinate things. I've tried to coordinate the "slide" on several occasions, but we've never done that. The slide as many of you probably now, is where each row of people slide to the right, then to the left, so on and so forth. The other row goes opposite of you, if done right, it looks like the stands are moving. Despite low numbers, it could have a cool effect, even just for 45 seconds. Section 8 On-Tour did it, when they payed us a visit earlier this year. They had 11-12 people, but it was still pretty neat to watch them.

This is going to appeal to people, people want to be part of something that's "in" or cool. 137 sliding back and forth, waving flags, bouncing, doing massive projects is going to attract some attention. People like to see things like that. What I'm basically saying is that we should try projects or ideas that are commonly seen in France, Italy, Spain, and southwest Europe in general. The big banners, colourful displays, etc. I say we try it. It'll take time and energy, but we need a change. If we can get people into the posse we call 137, they'll chant. They'll want to be a part of it.

We have basically combined forces, during matches, which has really helped. Obviously, I'm proud to be a member of Legion 04, as people from V-Army are proud to be part of V-Army. We're different supporters clubs, but we are working together. I've made several friends inside of V-Army. I'm proud to be a northender, but I'm not proud with our numbers this season.

Looking around the league gives me inspiration for what can-be. I use their successes and our failures as motivation to do something, that's why...

Legion 04 is doing a small-scale project/stunt for the DC game. It'll probably cost us $30 dollars, but you'll clearly see it from everywhere in the stadium. Fortunately, it only requires 10 or so people to do it, which we have. Since no one this year (including Legion) has done anything to bring in people, we're going to make the first move. We're going to give an incentive to join us, through visual appeal. We'll see if the ultras movement idea works, it may not, but we'll give it a go. Any variety right now may give us the edge we need.

I'm tired of coming to games, knowing that we are the joke of the league. We need change and it's coming, we're going to be the driving force behind that too! Jump on board, Legion 04 is going to spearhead the progressive change inside 137. It'll take time, but it'll happen.

Impossible is Nothing

[negativetouch]

Wow.

At what point did your divorce from reality become final?

There are so many things I could say but so as not to come off like a grumpy old man I'll just make two points--

1)I'm not a member of V-Army but if I was I'd want to make damn sure that your use of "we" are a joke meant the Legion and the Legion alone.

2)Last match there was no one---read carefully NO ONE---from the Legion in 137. Period. Get your own house in order before you bemoan the state of the entire North End.

Perhaps the state of this team right now has something to do with the apathy and I'm sorry but it's going to take more than a 10 kid card section to get past that.

[Zak]

I can sum up your problems in three words, not a three minute speech.

The Team Sucks.

If Crew were better, you'd have better numbers.

[Legion04]

Wow.

At what point did your divorce from reality become final?

There are so many things I could say but so as not to come off like a grumpy old man I'll just make two points--

1)I'm not a member of V-Army but if I was I'd want to make damn sure that your use of "we" are a joke meant the Legion and the Legion alone.

2)Last match there was no one---read carefully NO ONE---from the Legion in 137. Period. Get your own house in order before you bemoan the state of the entire North End.

Perhaps the state of this team right now has something to do with the apathy and I'm sorry but it's going to take more than a 10 kid card section to get past that.

I couldn't make it to the match myself. So I couldn't see the numbers.

[Legion04]

I can sum up your problems in three words, not a three minute speech.

The Team Sucks.

If Crew were better, you'd have better numbers.

I agree with you 100%, but we also need to make an effort.

[Zak]

I'll tell you what, and I'm only doing this because you actually seem like a good kid...that and you're probably straight down Northwest Blvd from me and might see me skateboarding around and don't want to get ran off the road...

One of the biggest mistakes I ever made was taking things to personally. Lack of attendence, criticizm from know nothings like those poncey idiots on matchnight, ect, ect, ect. Listen, attendence is something that while you can make an effort to improve, you have very little actual control over. You've been put behind the 8 ball by a team that plays the most unattractive soccer I've ever seen. At this point, the womens euro cup on FSC brings me more entertainment than crew, and I can't stand chick soccer. Add to that, a FO that has good intentions but just can't seem to get it right. It's a no win situation.

Bottom line, it's like me pop always told me, do the best you know you can do and be satisfied with that. The only thing in life you control is you, so do your best. Attendence, that's something that the brianiacs with Capital marketing degrees can worry about. Don't take this Crew thing to personally, you'll drive yourself nutty.

[Placid Casual]

This is going to appeal to people, people want to be part of something that's "in" or cool. 137 sliding back and forth, waving flags, bouncing, doing massive projects is going to attract some attention. People like to see things like that. What I'm basically saying is that we should try projects or ideas that are commonly seen in France, Italy, Spain, and southwest Europe in general. The big banners, colourful displays, etc. I say we try it. It'll take time and energy, but we need a change. If we can get people into the posse we call 137, they'll chant. They'll want to be a part of it.





This is a joke right?. I dont think anyone over the age of 18 is bothered about being "in" or "cool". Its all about streetcred.

Please dont use the word basically, it is for people of a limited vocabulary who cannot think of anything better to say. Same as the word nice.

Posse? Sliding back and forth? You are radio rental.

Massive projects?'

Support doesnt come from who has the biggest banner, who wants to be down with the in crowd or whatever other idea you come up with.

It comes from the heart and having a passion for an entity that will never be reciprocated. Blind love if you will. Until you understand that, then i suggest you dont bother coming to games.

[Zak]

The more I think about it, the more I would suggest the following...

Strip everything down. No more labels, no more v-army, no more legion, no more northenders, ect. These things, and I'm partly responsible, are instruments of taking credit for something. It's not about that though, and I've only happened upon that after years of experience and some humbling moments. Supporting this club shouldn't be about who can claim more attendence, and the most banners. Simply put a supporters faction in Columbus should be a nameless, creditless movement.

I think that's why we as fans or supporters find ourselves in the situation that we are currently in. It's a sad statement, but because we've yearned for credit, the FO has used that to it's advantage. Insider info, field passes, friends in high places, but what did it ultimately achieve? Very little. The FO controls 137 far more than it should. Only because we have named leaders who yearn for attention. And again, I shoulder a large part of that blame. I'm just as guilty as the next man, if not more.

So going forward, lets literally have a revolution, burn the banners that have names of supporters groups on them, and just sit in 137 as a group of supporters united under one front. Because honestly, our FO has not done right by us and we should be furious. But we're so busy claiming who has more attendence that we've let it all slide. Pardon my French but F that, we should be demanding more. And we should do that not as members of V-Army or Legion, but under the front of simply being supporters of a soccer club.

[Chelsey]

At what point did your divorce from reality become final?

Bravo. Just bravo.

As for the Northend, a little suggestion, which is probably off completely what this thread is all about.. I didn't read any of the posts. Well except a partial of Negatives. I'm tired. Truly tired.


But, anyways, folks.. When I was at Soldier Field yesterday, I noticed how Section 8 had that leader on that podium/stand type thing, on the ground, right in front of Section 8. We could use that. That'd be sweet.


Btw - I don't want to be part of anything that's cool. I'm a rebel. Werd.

[Eggy]

The more I think about it, the more I would suggest the following...

Strip everything down. No more labels, no more v-army, no more legion, no more northenders, ect. These things, and I'm partly responsible, are instruments of taking credit for something. It's not about that though, and I've only happened upon that after years of experience and some humbling moments. Supporting this club shouldn't be about who can claim more attendence, and the most banners. Simply put a supporters faction in Columbus should be a nameless, creditless movement.

I think that's why we as fans or supporters find ourselves in the situation that we are currently in. It's a sad statement, but because we've yearned for credit, the FO has used that to it's advantage. Insider info, field passes, friends in high places, but what did it ultimately achieve? Very little. The FO controls 137 far more than it should. Only because we have named leaders who yearn for attention. And again, I shoulder a large part of that blame. I'm just as guilty as the next man, if not more.

So going forward, lets literally have a revolution, burn the banners that have names of supporters groups on them, and just sit in 137 as a group of supporters united under one front. Because honestly, our FO has not done right by us and we should be furious. But we're so busy claiming who has more attendence that we've let it all slide. Pardon my French but F that, we should be demanding more. And we should do that not as members of V-Army or Legion, but under the front of simply being supporters of a soccer club.

You know Zak it's well thought out arguments and making sense that will be your downfall.

Or just the fact that you wear wifebeaters to Crew matches.

[Kryptonite]

But, anyways, folks.. When I was at Soldier Field yesterday, I noticed how Section 8 had that leader on that podium/stand type thing, on the ground, right in front of Section 8. We could use that. That'd be sweet.

Wittler has been known to stand on the bench and face towards the rest of us.

[BBBulldog]

But, anyways, folks.. When I was at Soldier Field yesterday, I noticed how Section 8 had that leader on that podium/stand type thing, on the ground, right in front of Section 8. We could use that. That'd be sweet.


blah podiums :)

[ZipSix]

Wittler has been known to stand on the bench and face towards the rest of us.

Only because he can't find the field.

[Placid Casual]

The more I think about it, the more I would suggest the following...

Strip everything down. No more labels, no more v-army, no more legion, no more northenders, ect. These things, and I'm partly responsible, are instruments of taking credit for something. It's not about that though, and I've only happened upon that after years of experience and some humbling moments. Supporting this club shouldn't be about who can claim more attendence, and the most banners. Simply put a supporters faction in Columbus should be a nameless, creditless movement.

I think that's why we as fans or supporters find ourselves in the situation that we are currently in. It's a sad statement, but because we've yearned for credit, the FO has used that to it's advantage. Insider info, field passes, friends in high places, but what did it ultimately achieve? Very little. The FO controls 137 far more than it should. Only because we have named leaders who yearn for attention. And again, I shoulder a large part of that blame. I'm just as guilty as the next man, if not more.

So going forward, lets literally have a revolution, burn the banners that have names of supporters groups on them, and just sit in 137 as a group of supporters united under one front. Because honestly, our FO has not done right by us and we should be furious. But we're so busy claiming who has more attendence that we've let it all slide. Pardon my French but F that, we should be demanding more. And we should do that not as members of V-Army or Legion, but under the front of simply being supporters of a soccer club.


The problem is though Zak, people like their laminated all access passes and the fact that the intern calls them about banners.

The only way to truly have a nameless faceless organisation is to abandon 137 and move to the South End.

[kaiser kraut]

This all reminds me of the first 30 seconds off of the Music For The Jilted Generation album... hacking at a type-writer (keyboard) and talking of going back underground.... now all I need is a big thick book of Kafka and a musty basement and I'd be all set.

[Chelsey]

The only way to truly have a nameless faceless organisation is to abandon 137 and move to the South End.

South End doesn't have the same view. One of the main reasons I started standing in the Northend is because I enjoyed the view from there more than anywhere else.

Also, can you stand in the South End?


Can you ever have a faceless organization? Doesn't every organization need a leader(s)?


The more I think about why there's a lack of supporters in the Northend comes down to two main points:

1. Zak mentioned it and it's basically the play on the field + I'd add Greg into this point.

and

2. I just don't think there's enough actual Columbus fans out there that truly love the club and are willing to support it for a full 90. That's what the Northend should be filled with. True fans. Seeing as the FO sells those tickets to families and the casual fans, well, in my opinion, it puts the whole Northend back. Casual fans don't want to be bothered to join in.

[Placid Casual]

South End doesn't have the same view. One of the main reasons I started standing in the Northend is because I enjoyed the view from there more than anywhere else.

Also, can you stand in the South End?


Can you ever have a faceless organization? Doesn't every organization need a leader(s)?


The more I think about why there's a lack of supporters in the Northend comes down to two main points:

1. Zak mentioned it and it's basically the play on the field + I'd add Greg into this point.

and

2. I just don't think there's enough actual Columbus fans out there that truly love the club and are willing to support it for a full 90. That's what the Northend should be filled with. True fans. Seeing as the FO sells those tickets to families and the casual fans, well, in my opinion, it puts the whole Northend back. Casual fans don't want to be bothered to join in.

I was talking about organisation in the loosest sense of the word, a coalition of likeminded people if you will.

It is the casual fans you need to draw in, if they think they have to be part of a gang then they wont. Casual fans become hardcore fans, but if you have people trying to do stupid move to the left to the right crap they wont. If there are people "leading" songs they wont, people have to feel free to join/start songs.

It needs to become spontaneous and not about who started the most songs, who has the most people in their gang, who blah blah blah.

[Chelsey]

I was a casual fan who became hardcore, so I understand that aspect. What I was trying to get at is the fact that most casual fans turn into hardcores because of the club, not because of some supporter group who sang "cool" songs.


(Jon: We need to either A. join a gang or B. start our own gang.)


Basically, we need the conga line back in the Northend. That and the swear words. It's not a soccer match if the FO is telling it's supporter groups not to swear. Period.

[jairadballerina]

It's not a soccer match if the FO is telling it's supporter groups not to swear.

And if it's not Scottish, it's craaaaap!

[shepchews]

how about mass suicide....like in jonestown...that might "attract attention" and get you noticed in the "in crowd".