melrose40yarder
Well-Known Member
Is the correct statement.Fuck em
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Fans turning to lower league football
- Thread starter MarcIsTired1986
- Start date
I've posted many times that I'm an exiled Blue who lives in Norfolk
I've gone from watching City 10-12 times a season, to 1 or 2 matches - only managed Ipswich away last season.
For me, it's the cost, plus VAR and the tourists who frequent the Etihad - I know that sounds hypocritical, but I was there when we were shit, numerous (and I mean LOTS of games at Maine Road), plus watching City up and down the country at away matches when it was easier to get a ticket.
Also, for me, the pinnacle of being a Blue was 93:20 - yes we've since won the treble, but that league title, winning it with the last kick of the season, pipping that lot to become champions, on goal difference, with essentially the goals from the sick swan..........nothing will beat that for me - ever.
So, back then, I started watching non-league, with only a feww trips to watch City each season.
Norfolk is pretty shite as a footbal "hotbed", so I had two years watching Lowestoft Town when they were in the National League North and quite enjoyed it, but couldn't feel an affinity with the club.
So, I started watching King's Lynn.....and I really enjoy it.
They were a team, who play in Blue, with a really dodgy chairman, who was a bit of a crook and had a shite haircut - sounds familiar, Peter Swales??!!
The football isn't great, but it's decent, there are some real characters in the crowd, where they will get anything from between 800 - 1800 depending on opposition and how Lynn are doing themselves.
I can have a beer while I watch the match and I know that my hard earned pennies actually do make a difference to the club - unlike the Premier League where we are merely customers.
I don't have an emotional attachment with Lynn, but I do enjoy when they win, but if they lose, it doesn't ruin my weekend - unlike the feeling we've all had many times over the years with City.
As I said, I only done Ipswich away last season and yes, it was a great victory, but the highlight of the day was being with fellow Blues in the pub, in the ground, singing all our songs that mean so much to us - I love City, always have done, always will.......my daughters middle name is "Silva" after Spanish Dave and my son's Christian name is Haaland.......after Alfie, obviously!!
Non League football - it's proper football, with hard working players, real fans and nearly all matches kick off on a Saturday at 3:00pm
What's not to like!!
I've gone from watching City 10-12 times a season, to 1 or 2 matches - only managed Ipswich away last season.
For me, it's the cost, plus VAR and the tourists who frequent the Etihad - I know that sounds hypocritical, but I was there when we were shit, numerous (and I mean LOTS of games at Maine Road), plus watching City up and down the country at away matches when it was easier to get a ticket.
Also, for me, the pinnacle of being a Blue was 93:20 - yes we've since won the treble, but that league title, winning it with the last kick of the season, pipping that lot to become champions, on goal difference, with essentially the goals from the sick swan..........nothing will beat that for me - ever.
So, back then, I started watching non-league, with only a feww trips to watch City each season.
Norfolk is pretty shite as a footbal "hotbed", so I had two years watching Lowestoft Town when they were in the National League North and quite enjoyed it, but couldn't feel an affinity with the club.
So, I started watching King's Lynn.....and I really enjoy it.
They were a team, who play in Blue, with a really dodgy chairman, who was a bit of a crook and had a shite haircut - sounds familiar, Peter Swales??!!
The football isn't great, but it's decent, there are some real characters in the crowd, where they will get anything from between 800 - 1800 depending on opposition and how Lynn are doing themselves.
I can have a beer while I watch the match and I know that my hard earned pennies actually do make a difference to the club - unlike the Premier League where we are merely customers.
I don't have an emotional attachment with Lynn, but I do enjoy when they win, but if they lose, it doesn't ruin my weekend - unlike the feeling we've all had many times over the years with City.
As I said, I only done Ipswich away last season and yes, it was a great victory, but the highlight of the day was being with fellow Blues in the pub, in the ground, singing all our songs that mean so much to us - I love City, always have done, always will.......my daughters middle name is "Silva" after Spanish Dave and my son's Christian name is Haaland.......after Alfie, obviously!!
Non League football - it's proper football, with hard working players, real fans and nearly all matches kick off on a Saturday at 3:00pm
What's not to like!!
Kick off times, tickets prices, I get it.
If a young person is growing up wanting to go to the football every week, lower league makes sense from a life and money perspective.
I couldn't emotionally invest in another team but if kids are growing up today wanting to go and watch football, lower league makes sense.
What I will say is, the moment these lower league teams make it to the top, they'll sell out. If Wrexham made the Premier League for example, they'd end up charging a fortune like everyone else.
If a young person is growing up wanting to go to the football every week, lower league makes sense from a life and money perspective.
I couldn't emotionally invest in another team but if kids are growing up today wanting to go and watch football, lower league makes sense.
What I will say is, the moment these lower league teams make it to the top, they'll sell out. If Wrexham made the Premier League for example, they'd end up charging a fortune like everyone else.
bluethrunthru
Well-Known Member
There are quite a few YouTubers who vlog about local to them non league football plus plenty of vids uploaded from the new phenomenon of Groundhoppers - people who collect visits to grounds like pin badges - I don't see the joy derived from that but I suspect that is grounded in the fact that my Dad first took me to Maine Road in 1967 aged 6 ( we stood - YES STOOD in the North Stand before it was redeveloped.
However I can see with the rising costs of attending PL and even Championship games can get people disillusioned and look elsewhere for live football. I have to say I have lived in a couple of places in the country and was always dismayed by the proliferation of rag and dippers shirts when they had a perfectly good local team to support - I suppose its about wants and needs and depth of pockets in the end.
However I can see with the rising costs of attending PL and even Championship games can get people disillusioned and look elsewhere for live football. I have to say I have lived in a couple of places in the country and was always dismayed by the proliferation of rag and dippers shirts when they had a perfectly good local team to support - I suppose its about wants and needs and depth of pockets in the end.
Marvin.
Well-Known Member
The topic is not about City fans going to the occasional league game but 'turning to'.
And it's also not true. Premier League attendances are at record highs and City will hit a new record this season.
And it's also not true. Premier League attendances are at record highs and City will hit a new record this season.
Groundhoppers aren't a new phenomenon.ubers who vlog about local to them non league football plus plenty of vids uploaded from the new phenomenon of Groundhoppers - people who collect visits to grounds like pin badges - I don't see the joy derived from that but I suspect that is grounded in the fact that my Dad first took me to Maine Road in 1967 aged 6 ( we stood - YES STOOD in the North Stand before it was redeveloped.
However I can see with the rising costs of attending PL and even Championship games can get people disillusioned and look elsewhere for live football. I have to say I have lived in a couple of places in the country and was always dismayed by the proliferation of rag and dippers shirts when they had a perfectly good local team to support - I s
People has been deliberately doing the 92 since at least the 80s.
bluethrunthru
Well-Known Member
Groundhoppers aren't a new phenomenon.
People has been deliberately doing the 92 since at least the 80s.
Yeah I knew that but there are now people doing it specifically for YT content - and the 92 are league clubs I was referring to those that do non-league some of whom I would add do interesting stuff
The topic is not about City fans going to the occasional league game but 'turning to'.
And it's also not true. Premier League attendances are at record highs and City will hit a new record this season.
Whilst true, this is happening via fan gentrification, replacing local fans that can't afford it with fans further afield who can and not always the same fan each week.
Northerndave
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 5 Jan 2020
- Messages
- 2,025
- Team supported
- Manchester City
I'm a ST holder down in Sale and I've been to Altrincham a couple of times when we haven't a home game, as away tickets are impossible to get.......and it's easy to get to on the Tram. I quite like not having a 90 min commute each way to a game and back.
I'd consider going more often but I'd like to find a club near M33 that allows me to have a pint while watching the game.
I know it's not exactly the same thing, but I've also started to watch the egg chasers at Heywood Road. Unreserved seating, £21 a ticket and a pitchside bar and it's a 10 min wlk away :)
I'd consider going more often but I'd like to find a club near M33 that allows me to have a pint while watching the game.
I know it's not exactly the same thing, but I've also started to watch the egg chasers at Heywood Road. Unreserved seating, £21 a ticket and a pitchside bar and it's a 10 min wlk away :)
davyhulme blue
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 13 Dec 2010
- Messages
- 950
West didsbury & chorlton get a good crowd I heard not sure about the beer situationI'm a ST holder down in Sale and I've been to Altrincham a couple of times when we haven't a home game, as away tickets are impossible to get.......and it's easy to get to on the Tram. I quite like not having a 90 min commute each way to a game and back.
I'd consider going more often but I'd like to find a club near M33 that allows me to have a pint while watching the game.
I know it's not exactly the same thing, but I've also started to watch the egg chasers at Heywood Road. Unreserved seating, £21 a ticket and a pitchside bar and it's a 10 min wlk away :)
One Fan Clapping
Well-Known Member
I went to Curzon last season. Walked through Daisy Nook with my brother in law. We didn’t know but it was the last game of the season and they needed a draw to go into the play-offs. They didn’t manage it but it was brilliant. Few pints and decent canteen food. We’re moving further afield this year so I doubt I’ll renew next year after 45 years. It’s becoming more of an effort than an enjoyable experience these days.
Resurrection Joe...
Well-Known Member
err Chelsea, like everyone else...This begs the question "where were you when we were shit?"
You can have a beer whilst watching the game,Warfsteiner plus cans of Burton Rd pale ale from memoryWest didsbury & chorlton get a good crowd I heard not sure about the beer situation
There's multiple reasons people might have, or be turning to, a lower league team.
I myself have always had other teams i follow and support, nowhere near the same as City in any way, but i do (e.g. Altrincham, Stockport, Lancaster and Morecambe, over the years). Many many football fans do.
As Premier League football gets pricier and pricier, spending money on regularly attending City is either a) just too expensive on the bank account or b) morally ambiguous with player wages and mass commercialisation of the game. or a blend of both. Lower league football represents a chance of filling that void and being part of a Saturday match day get together without the same level of pressure.
You can have a beer watching the game, you can wander all 4 sides of the ground, you can mingle with away fans (mostly) and other such novelties (talking lower leagues here). Weirdly some of the best catering i've ever had at football has been conference level and below.
Post game transport, travel etc is nigh on stress free.
You can feel quite close to the club quite quickly, meet people involved or quickly know people who are related to the players etc, it gives you a sense of connection quite quickly, in direct comparison to top tier football.
it is what it is. I'll never not support City vehemently, but the attraction of lower league stuff is undeniable.
I myself have always had other teams i follow and support, nowhere near the same as City in any way, but i do (e.g. Altrincham, Stockport, Lancaster and Morecambe, over the years). Many many football fans do.
As Premier League football gets pricier and pricier, spending money on regularly attending City is either a) just too expensive on the bank account or b) morally ambiguous with player wages and mass commercialisation of the game. or a blend of both. Lower league football represents a chance of filling that void and being part of a Saturday match day get together without the same level of pressure.
You can have a beer watching the game, you can wander all 4 sides of the ground, you can mingle with away fans (mostly) and other such novelties (talking lower leagues here). Weirdly some of the best catering i've ever had at football has been conference level and below.
Post game transport, travel etc is nigh on stress free.
You can feel quite close to the club quite quickly, meet people involved or quickly know people who are related to the players etc, it gives you a sense of connection quite quickly, in direct comparison to top tier football.
it is what it is. I'll never not support City vehemently, but the attraction of lower league stuff is undeniable.
MarcIsTired1986
Well-Known Member
There's multiple reasons people might have, or be turning to, a lower league team.
I myself have always had other teams i follow and support, nowhere near the same as City in any way, but i do (e.g. Altrincham, Stockport, Lancaster and Morecambe, over the years). Many many football fans do.
As Premier League football gets pricier and pricier, spending money on regularly attending City is either a) just too expensive on the bank account or b) morally ambiguous with player wages and mass commercialisation of the game. or a blend of both. Lower league football represents a chance of filling that void and being part of a Saturday match day get together without the same level of pressure.
You can have a beer watching the game, you can wander all 4 sides of the ground, you can mingle with away fans (mostly) and other such novelties (talking lower leagues here). Weirdly some of the best catering i've ever had at football has been conference level and below.
Post game transport, travel etc is nigh on stress free.
You can feel quite close to the club quite quickly, meet people involved or quickly know people who are related to the players etc, it gives you a sense of connection quite quickly, in direct comparison to top tier football.
it is what it is. I'll never not support City vehemently, but the attraction of lower league stuff is undeniable.
Yep - exactly what I was talking about in my OP.
But, some people take it personally and call me a Rag for it.
Weird bunch.
Block219
Member
Wythenshawe fc v Vauxhall Motors in the fa Cup preliminary round for me on Saturday, then straight home for City at half 5.
Man_City_Loyal
Well-Known Member
I don't really have a question, or a point to make here - just opening the topic for discussion really:
I'm a lifelong blue, as are all my Dad's side of the family (Mum's side are reds, but thankfully my Dad raised me football-wise). I'm originally from Stockport, so have a lot of friends and family still living there - I don't, I'm in Urmston now.
I have, however, seen a trend of people who have always supported Premier League teams turning their backs on their team and following a Lower League, and in some cases even Non-League, team instead. Not to say they don't support their PL team at all - but just seem to have more interest and passion in the lower league club they have chose - mostly, in my case, Stockport County. But I know some who have gone to Salford City, Oldham, Altrincham, and even West Didsbury & Chorlton. My Dad, Brother-in-Law and Nephew (all also lifelong City fans) have now got Season Tickets at Stockport, and when I asked my nephew about City's new away kit his exact words were, "I've not seen it - I'm getting County's though!"
Like I'm sure a lot of others are, I too have become a bit disillusioned with football at the very top - the amount of money involved is disgusting really (but that's a separate topic of conversation), the politics involved in ownership (poor Crystal Palace falling victim to this, just this summer), having to comply with various FFP/PSR rules, the constant changing of fixture dates and kick off times to suit the TV channels, the now infamous 115 charges etc. I just don't feel like I support a football club anymore - I feel like I support a business. The players lives are so far removed from the average fan that you just have no connection to them at all - whereas at County you can sometimes (not always, but reasonably often) meet and get photos with the players after the match.
Now, I'm not saying I'm going to go support County - I'm actually very disappointed that so many people I know have turned to them - but I can sort of see the appeal. 95% of the time your game kicks off at 3pm on a Saturday - your players are probably local-ish lads - they still earn good money but not hundreds of thousands of pounds a week - the new shirt doesn't cost £100. Part of me (a very small part) sort of hoped that the 115 charges would stick and we got dumped in the Vanarama North - then at least I can follow the lower league football without having to 'switch sides'.
I know this bleeds into the debate they were having on TalkSport a month or so ago, about whether you can support two teams - I don't think you can! I like Stockport, I hope they win - but I don't "support" them!
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are - is this a growing trend? Is the Premier League going to lose fans in its droves as people turn to a lower league club, and take their kids along with them (as with my nephew)? If so, will the Premier League step in and do something to bring them back? Are you seeing it happen too, or am I just friends with really un-loyal football fans? Are you/have you been tempted to go follow another club as well or instead of City?
watching teams like stockport and your a blue is wrong, and I include myself in on this.
However for me, chucking in watching City for lower league football, it be for non league with 2 local teams I've been watching in the past.
Stockport certainly dont have many localish players, but i agree on the other areas
Marvin.
Well-Known Member
Whilst true, this is happening via fan gentrification, replacing local fans that can't afford it with fans further afield who can and not always the same fan each week.
The evidence from the Ticket office is of a lot of seasoncard no shows at PL, CL & Cup games. I suspect that those 'no shows' are largely from the 'out of town' seasoncard holders for whom midweek games are really awkward / impossible to attend. There's an argument as to who takes their place. I think it's locals, others argue its 'foreigners'.