I mean traditionally...it doesn't have to be Arsenal. It can be Man Utd, Liverpool or someone else. But which club do most people cheer for throughout England OR are most people quite loyal to their local club and it is just a matter of numbers concerning population? Just curious.
Well, you'll always get the team of the moment that it seems everyone follows but if you're to be considered a 'proper' fan, it's looked down on to support a team you have no ties to. The over-riding criticism of Man United fans is the fact that the vast majority are not from Manchester and have never been to Old Trafford. If (unlikely at the moment, they seem to be the only ones with any cash) they start to slide, you'll see another club 'take their place' and have the same accusations levelled at them. In the 80's it was popular to follow Liverpool and then Man U started winning everything in the 90's. The reason for the dislike by a lot of the fans of other clubs is not merely jealousy but a perception that they symbolise the 'business' approach to football that's beginning to scupper other clubs. Unlike the US however, no club team (even Man U) has had the stones to declare themselves 'England's Team.' Like a lot of other fans, I'm sure, I'd be violently ill if they tried it. Having a national side tends to preclude that. Some people will cheer on an English side in Europe and I have to admit, the 99 Champs League final was a cracking game. Also, some people who follow a nationwide team will have a Prem favourite. At the end of the day though (Brian) I'm a believer in the maxim that 'a football team is for life, not just for Christmas.' Just my twa penneth.
I agree... Arsenal is probably the hot club for young across England. Everyone likes a winner. When Arsenal get their new HUGE stadium they will continue to spend like mad! I know many Man Utd fans are from around the globe, but isn't that just timing: winning in the 90's the age of the internet and with air travel cheaper, and cable/satellite tv helps. Just a thought. Have been following the Prem for the last 2 years and are constantly nudged by my English friend to support Arsenal, feel like a total band wagon fan if I cheer for them now. Oh well!
You guys are right, there is no such club as an England club. Fans are much more partizan and tend only to follow their club and may show an interest if the team gets into a top comp. BUT there is such a team as the most hated club in England. Not Arsenal, we've had some tough ties with the gooners but you could always go into the pub later and have a laugh regardless of the outcome. And even in Liverpool's glory years they never engendered the 'hatred' that Manure have over the years. Manure have more fans (If that's what they are) out of the country. In the country I think even City have more real fans.
Yeh it seems like there are two sets of fans in England. Manure fans and everyone else. It just seems like the Manchester part of Manchester United doesn't have any connection to that sad dire city in the northwest. Its just a word in their name and happens to be the place where there stadium sits (although maine road is much more centrally located in terms of the city).
I think Man U got a lot of 'sympathy' fans after the Munich '58 air crash which decimated their up and coming young team. But I don't hold that against them. Another factor is winning. Young kids (and some pathetic grown-ups (Sol Campbell)) attach themselves to winning teams. I guess it makes them feel better about themselves. My sisters son (aged 5) is resisting all attempts to steer him towards supporting his local team Tottenham. Instead he keeps talking 'Manunitd'. As for the question 'who is England's team?', it depends who they are, who they're playing, and HOW they're playing. Liverpool V. Alaves in the UEFA Cup Final was amazing (their Champions League exploits just leave me embarrassed and groaning at their ineptitude). Man U when they're at their most commanding, Chelsea a couple of seasons back when they were beating Barca 3-1, Leeds when they battered everyone with their ruthless energetic style, Newcastle's attacking naivety and comebacks. It makes fantastic viewing and while I'm definitely not a fan of these teams, it gives me a boost to see them performing well against great opponents. I will never support the Arse because they're the Arse, and I'd like to see Liverpool playing with more width and imagination and not capitulating so tamely to everyone and Basle. Who's England's team? Whoever wants to be and just goes for it.