Few readers will remember this catchphrase from the popular Second World War comedy show 'ITMA'. However, if one was looking for the worst moaning supporters in football it would surely be Tottenham Hotspur. After their 1--0 defeat at Bournemouth last night some of them gave 'direct feedback' to their manager. I did enjoy beating them at White Hart Lane through a Chris Powell goal (and he was a Spurs fan).
One person I was talking to on Facebook said that all football supporters moan. This is undoubtedly true, but some moan more than others. Complaints at my non-league club are relatively few and far between. The manager has been in place for 15 years and has an eye for neglected talent in the non-league system which he then develops and sells on to EFL clubs for a modest fee to them but valuable to a non-league club. Two home matches over the festive season have been chosen to be shown on domestic and international television, bringing in a useful fee.
Of course, in one sense it doesn't matter so much although it was a huge effort to get the club reborn after 13 years out of existence when the ground was built over. Physically and socially fans are close to the players (I think Charlton fans were closer to the side put together by Curbs). The lino can be asked whether his mum knows he is there or if he has finished his homework.
The club relies heavily on volunteers: for example, I write for each programme and coordinate a fund raising club that gives access to a half time 'lounge' (all right, it is a portakabin but the tea and biscuits are very welcome at half time).
Above all, fans have a realistic understanding of what is possible with the current 'stadium' and funds (the local Council has promised to build an EFL standard stadium, but this is increasingly looking like a mirage).
At least we own our current ground and the training 'pitch' which is more than can be said at Charlton and remains an albatross round our neck.
More about the Lincoln game and a likely defeat later.
No comments:
Post a Comment