There has become division on this board over the last 6 months or so. In my opinion. And it is turning into a lack of respect between posters. The early leaver conversation is a prime example of it for me.
Yesterday, the final day of the regular season, and we had two threads on the subject on the first page. Recently a lad joined to ask us to complete a research survey for his studies and the thread was closed by mods because it was hijacked by the early leaver debate. It was suggested people like me, who at times choose to leave early, werent real supporters because of it.
Lets be honest, it is a crap conversation. One that will always cause divide and cast some as good guys and some as bad guys. I dont believe for one minute staying to the end makes you a better supporter. It would be like me arguing I travel 5 hours for a game so I am better than anyone living in Sunderland. It would be nonsense. People need to remember sometimes factors you dont know drive decisions. In a really simplistic world every one would be in the ground 45 minutes before to cheer them on for the warm up, cheer them on to the pitch, roar like mad at the first whistle and not leave their seat until every last player has disappeared down the tunnel. The world isnt like that and to create a sense of good fans bad fans is poor for me.
It isnt the only divisive debate we have. But lets think on it for a bit. The board is going downhill fast imo. It isnt because of different opinions. That is healthy. But it is because they become arguments that lead into oneupmanship. I support my team as strongly as anyone I believe. I believe everyone else does the same too. Not everyone, does, or can, do it in the same way. Some are unable to attend games but they are as good a fan as anyone who goes to all. If we cant all be on the same page now then we dont deserve promotion to be honest. Fans need to be in unison and behind one common cause. You can only have that if respect exists. We had that years ago, I wonder if we will ever get it back?