"There is something wrong with grown men (and indeed kids) wearing hooped shirts." Sure is in some cases:
Driver's 'joke' article inadvertently raises an interesting question: why DID we local folk choose little ol' Rangers over 'boomtown' Chelsea? After all, following a club's hardly genetically preordained is it? So he's right (with the exception of those living within close proximity to the ground), for most of us who we end up supporting IS a matter of choice. He's also right about us being different from the norm in this way. For us original west-ish Londoners (Chelsea and Fulham fans included), the more obvious choice for impressionable youth would most seasons have certainly been Chelsea, with their much larger following, higher profile players and media coverage, not to mention the neat little kit. This being the case, in casting Rs as the oddballs of the playground, he's actually praising us for being that much more imaginative and decerning. If there's a comparison to be made, we're obviously far less likely to mindlessly hop on the fashionable bandwagon but rather, in keeping with that most British of virtues, more likely to back the underdog... How odd is that? Commendable imho. That's the difference between us at face value as far as choice goes. What he hasn't touched upon is the immediate impact that comes with that first visit, as a neutral, to the temple that is Loftus Road. Bang and you're hooked - third division or not! That's the power of them hoops Mr Driver wouldn't begin to understand. In those circumstances choice doesn't even come into it!
Well obviously the Chelsea kid thinks there was nothing before Roman opened his wallet. As a kid in the '70's QPR were a genuinely class act and maybe being born in the vicinity of Shepherds Bush helped! I went to the Bridge in the '80's when Chelsea were generally average and you risked getting your head kicked in. That always draws the fans in.....
What he hasn't touched upon is the immediate impact that comes with that first visit, as a neutral, to the temple that is Loftus Road. Bang and you're hooked - third division or not! That's the power of them hoops Mr Driver wouldn't begin to understand. In those circumstances choice doesn't even come into it![/QUOTE] Exactly this for me. I was born and bred in the West Country so QPR are my adopted team really but as an impressionable 12 year old with a minimal interest in football I was taken to Loftus Road in 1992 (to see us hammer Spuds 4 - 1) and I knew the moment I saw that expanse of green loveliness before me that this was it for me. And I've been riding the rollercoaster ever since.
I started following the Rs thanks to a fanatic uncle back in 66 after watching the World Cup. I also followed Man Utd as Bobby Charlton was my hero. How many kids in the park left fly with a shot saying to themselves "and Charlton scores for England!" In 68 I finally got to visit Loftus Road to see my first game v Man Utd, Charlton et al. The atmosphere in the ground was electric and there in front of me was my hero, he led United to a 3-2 win but the buzz of being in a packed ground with the old bass drum banging away was intoxicating and I never wanted to be anywhere else despite our demise that season. Sometimes it's just pre-ordained...
Bred in bush as were family who supported R's for same reason, really I had no choice and i'm forever thankful!
Took my sister's lad to QPR- barnsley (4-0), with much difficulty as I live in Sweden and he lives in France. He is now 100% Rangers after only one visit. Once you have been to see QPR, you are hooked!
the comment at the bottom tickles me where the guy spells always as all ways, obviousy passed through the alimentary canal of the schooling structure.
Loftus rd was the first ground I ever went to. My dad and grandad took me as they were from the Peabody estate and both were season ticket holders. Now with my grandad passed on I am pleased to say my dad my son and I have carried on. Never ever thought about another club even through schools with all the Liverpool then Man Utd followers. Just got to kid the lad focused and away from man ure as the wife is trying hard to convert him !!
