Fans V Supporters

It's been discussed a load of times and I'm sure we all have different opinions on the age old question: "Are those who don't go to games, as good fans as those who do?"

Well, I was sat on the couch this morning watching Soccer AM and it hit me like a backhand from a bouncer: there's no better or worse, there's simply supporters and fans...Here's why:

Fan: an enthusiastic devotee of sports
Supporter: a person who backs a politician or a team etc.; "all their supporters came out for the game"

So, for all of us who live away from the North East, who can't afford the extortionate prices, who, if we're lucky can only manage a couple of games a season BUT regardless still sweat, still worry, still cheer and scream. Still waste hours, days, weeks and years on a team who give us nothing more to show for it than a ridiculous collection of replica shirts and an automatic-angry-stare at anyone who dares mention the 'D' word!

For the lads on here who follow the team through thick and thin, occasionally up, but mostly down the country. By car, bus, train and plane, the odd boat and the occasional tram. You are our supporters! You're the songs that us fans hear through the telly and out of the speakers of laptop computers. Can do nothing but applaud you, and hope that when I'm done with all this uni lark, if I settle in the North East I'll be seeing a lot more of you!

You supporters are our 50,000, you're the reason St James' Park is, on it's day an absolute fortress. Us fans, we're the reason people call Newcastle a goldfish bowl, we're the ones who eat, sleep and dream football...only thing we don't do is actually watch it!

Either way, I suppose the debate is still up in air, all I know is, when it comes to both, fans and supporters, you'd be hard pushed to find a better set in this league!

(wipe away tear from eye and clutch badge of shirt in Tash-esque pose)

 

I know what you mean, I had a season ticket from the age of 12-19, had to give it up to come to Manchester for uni. I don't see myself as any less of a fan than I was last year, it just means I have to put up with stuttery streams and match of the day.

 

So, for all of us who live away from the North East, who can't afford the extortionate prices, who, if we're lucky can only manage a couple of games a season BUT regardless still sweat, still worry, still cheer and scream. Still waste hours, days, weeks and years on a team who give us nothing more to show for it than a ridiculous collection of replica shirts and an automatic-angry-stare at anyone who dares mention the 'D' word!

For the lads on here who follow the team through thick and thin, occasionally up, but mostly down the country. By car, bus, train and plane, the odd boat and the occasional tram. You are our supporters! You're the songs that us fans hear through the telly and out of the speakers of laptop computers. Can do nothing but applaud you, and hope that when I'm done with all this uni lark, if I settle in the North East I'll be seeing a lot more of you!

You supporters are our 50,000, you're the reason St James' Park is, on it's day an absolute fortress. Us fans, we're the reason people call Newcastle a goldfish bowl, we're the ones who eat, sleep and dream football...only thing we don't do is actually watch it!

Almost Churchillesque http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L90BCEVH41U&feature=related

 

This cigar and bottle of gin have taken affect then...

 

I live miles from Newcaslte, and have to put up with the dodgey streams in stupid languages. But I go just as crazy when they score as if I was in the stands!

I think you can be as much as a fan, regardless of location/finance etc. I will actually be making my fist trip to St James' Park last game of the season, can't wait!

 

Hope your fist doesn't misbehave while it's up there.

 

Well said mate.

 

We're all Black & White, we're all UNITED!

 

Well, i'd follow the Toon to unibond league. Don't know what that makes me a fan or a supporter?

Anyway, Coloccini nutmegs and Jonas curlers makes it all worth it

 

Any season ticket holder who looks down on an 'armchair supporter' is a bit of an arsehole, to be honest. Anyone who doesn't go is just as much of a fan of the club and just as much of a supporter. People don't need to do anything to prove that they're somehow in the higher levels of fan support. People are free to do whatever they like with their time.

 

Hey I've only missed one game at home in 38 years,
but I sit back and admire the guys that travel to the long distance away games in midweek (whether it be on their door step or not)
I stopped going to away game a long time ago now, does that make me a part time fan


deep down we all support the team and that is the main thing