Monday, December 5, 2011
The decline of "supporters" and the emergence of "fans"
Picture the scene. You support Blackburn Rovers. You have a vital game against Swansea City. To use the oft used football cliche it is a "relegation six pointer". It is the 20th minute, at Ewood park. Your star striker, Yakubu, scores a vital opening goal. He runs over to celebrate with his manager/boss.
What do you do? Do you cheer? Or do you do what many of the Ewood faithful did on Saturday and boo. Boo to your heart's content?
Football has changed a lot even since I started watching the game (back in 1996 if you're interested) and so has the average football fan's expectations.
This was an observation made by Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Fergusson, when giving his response to the sacking of Sunderland manager Steve Bruce. I happen to agree with him. Fans do seem a lot more fickle these days.
For instance, take poor Steve Kean. as Robbie Savage pointed out on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night, he had to take the job. It was a terrific opportunity for him, a job at a Premier League club. The fact it was against the backdrop of the sacking of one of this country's finest managers, Sam Allardyce, has never helped him.
The decision by Blackburn's erratic owners to sack Allardyce was bizzare, no question about that. He may not get his teams playing attractive football, but more often than not, he gets results, which is quite simply the ONLY thing football fans care about these days.
But still, why boo your manager after his team has just got you a goal? I am at a loss to explain that. Maybe it is because much of my football life has been spent supporting Tranmere Rovers. As a result disappointment and football related depression comes naturally to me. But the mind of the Premier League fan has been altered.
This is mostly down to foreign investors. When Venky's took over at Blackburn the supporters must have had visions of the club going forward and becoming bigger and better. There is just one problem, pretty much every established Premier League club has the same vision. Blackburn do not seem to have the money of other clubs and if you look at their squad, the bottom reaches of the table is probably where they belong. In terms of playing squad can you honestly say there are three worse teams than them? It is hard. There is a case to say Steve Kean is doing the best he can with what he has.
The reaction of the Rovers fans showed a distinct lack of support for their team. The pressures of modern football make it seem that supporters are a dying breed. Fans are the way to go apparantly.
A lot of the changing expectations are to do with money however, and it is for this reason that Steve Bruce got booted out, not because he is a Geordie as Fergie seemed to imply.
He was undoubtedly very unlucky. Key players have left, some in bizarre circumstances (Asamoah Gyan for example) and others because Sunderland could not compete with the other club's offer (Darren Bent). But he had spent a fair amount of money and his former club is now languishing one point above the drop zone. They need a top striker desperately but in Martin O'Neill they have the man to take them to where they belong. A team with a near 50,000 capacity stadium does not belong in the Championship.
What do you do? Do you cheer? Or do you do what many of the Ewood faithful did on Saturday and boo. Boo to your heart's content?
Football has changed a lot even since I started watching the game (back in 1996 if you're interested) and so has the average football fan's expectations.
This was an observation made by Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Fergusson, when giving his response to the sacking of Sunderland manager Steve Bruce. I happen to agree with him. Fans do seem a lot more fickle these days.
For instance, take poor Steve Kean. as Robbie Savage pointed out on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night, he had to take the job. It was a terrific opportunity for him, a job at a Premier League club. The fact it was against the backdrop of the sacking of one of this country's finest managers, Sam Allardyce, has never helped him.
The decision by Blackburn's erratic owners to sack Allardyce was bizzare, no question about that. He may not get his teams playing attractive football, but more often than not, he gets results, which is quite simply the ONLY thing football fans care about these days.
But still, why boo your manager after his team has just got you a goal? I am at a loss to explain that. Maybe it is because much of my football life has been spent supporting Tranmere Rovers. As a result disappointment and football related depression comes naturally to me. But the mind of the Premier League fan has been altered.
This is mostly down to foreign investors. When Venky's took over at Blackburn the supporters must have had visions of the club going forward and becoming bigger and better. There is just one problem, pretty much every established Premier League club has the same vision. Blackburn do not seem to have the money of other clubs and if you look at their squad, the bottom reaches of the table is probably where they belong. In terms of playing squad can you honestly say there are three worse teams than them? It is hard. There is a case to say Steve Kean is doing the best he can with what he has.
The reaction of the Rovers fans showed a distinct lack of support for their team. The pressures of modern football make it seem that supporters are a dying breed. Fans are the way to go apparantly.
A lot of the changing expectations are to do with money however, and it is for this reason that Steve Bruce got booted out, not because he is a Geordie as Fergie seemed to imply.
He was undoubtedly very unlucky. Key players have left, some in bizarre circumstances (Asamoah Gyan for example) and others because Sunderland could not compete with the other club's offer (Darren Bent). But he had spent a fair amount of money and his former club is now languishing one point above the drop zone. They need a top striker desperately but in Martin O'Neill they have the man to take them to where they belong. A team with a near 50,000 capacity stadium does not belong in the Championship.
So This is Great Britain is it?
The previous week saw a great deal happen in this great nation of ours. The main story of the week, was undoubtedly the strike action taken by millions of public sector workers.
Now, lets get one thing totally clear. The workers who went on strike were wholly justified in doing so. This government has ruthlessly attacked the public sector to balance the books after a recession that was caused by wild spending in the private sector. Their decision to stand up for their rights is to be applauded, not condemned.
But condemned it was. Social networking sites were filled with posts by people telling the workers to get back to work and to "stop moaning".
Stop moaning? Having your pension cut is definately something worth moaning about. Especially when you provide vital services to the public and you are being punished for a recession your sector did not cause.
There seems to be a culture of ignorance and apathy in this country at the moment. It seemed as if some of the same people who condemned the government's spending cuts, were now condemning the people who were protesting about it. There is also a culture of wild hysteria.
This wild hysteria manifested itself in Top Gear presenter's Jeremy Clarkson's ill advised comment about how strikers should be shot. The reaction by some people on the left was frankly, sad and pathetic.
As a Labour Party member I was saddened that my leader, Ed Milliband felt that he should join the scores of humourless drones in condemning Mr Clarkson's comments. I'm left wing when it comes to politics but it depresses me how some of my fellow lefties lack a sense of humour.
Putting my common sense hat on, I am able to deduce that Clarkson was joking. I do not for one second believe that he was condoning a widespread murderous rampage/culling against public sector workers. I actually found his comments to be quite satirical.
That didn't stop over 20000 people getting on their high horse and complaining to the BBC. No doubt a lot of them hadn't even seen the original broadcast. Images of the Andrew Sachs fiasco were conjured and the similarities are there. Why people in Britain have started to jump on every bandwagon and join in a culture of blame I will never know.
If this is Great Britain, it needs to change. It's far too petty a place at the moment. It also lacks common sense.
Now, lets get one thing totally clear. The workers who went on strike were wholly justified in doing so. This government has ruthlessly attacked the public sector to balance the books after a recession that was caused by wild spending in the private sector. Their decision to stand up for their rights is to be applauded, not condemned.
But condemned it was. Social networking sites were filled with posts by people telling the workers to get back to work and to "stop moaning".
Stop moaning? Having your pension cut is definately something worth moaning about. Especially when you provide vital services to the public and you are being punished for a recession your sector did not cause.
There seems to be a culture of ignorance and apathy in this country at the moment. It seemed as if some of the same people who condemned the government's spending cuts, were now condemning the people who were protesting about it. There is also a culture of wild hysteria.
This wild hysteria manifested itself in Top Gear presenter's Jeremy Clarkson's ill advised comment about how strikers should be shot. The reaction by some people on the left was frankly, sad and pathetic.
As a Labour Party member I was saddened that my leader, Ed Milliband felt that he should join the scores of humourless drones in condemning Mr Clarkson's comments. I'm left wing when it comes to politics but it depresses me how some of my fellow lefties lack a sense of humour.
Putting my common sense hat on, I am able to deduce that Clarkson was joking. I do not for one second believe that he was condoning a widespread murderous rampage/culling against public sector workers. I actually found his comments to be quite satirical.
That didn't stop over 20000 people getting on their high horse and complaining to the BBC. No doubt a lot of them hadn't even seen the original broadcast. Images of the Andrew Sachs fiasco were conjured and the similarities are there. Why people in Britain have started to jump on every bandwagon and join in a culture of blame I will never know.
If this is Great Britain, it needs to change. It's far too petty a place at the moment. It also lacks common sense.
Monday, November 21, 2011
The reasons why Rugby League is the greatest game.
My name is Stuart Robertson. I am a life long supporter of professional rugby league team, the Warrington Wolves. My dad took me to my first game of rugby league at Wilderspool when I was four years old, against the wishes of my mum most certainly.
I have been hooked on the sport ever since bordering on obsession. It is, without doubt in my opinion, the greatest game of all. Here are my reasons, in no particular order, why this is the case.
1) ITS RUGBY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE PLAYED
Now, before I begin, I have a confession to make. I am a rugby league fan who bares no grudge against the other code. Indeed, I have often found myself enjoying rugby union games and for my sins I used to play the game myself. I was a flanker (forgive me father...). It is a very good sport.
However, if I do have one axe to grind with the sport it is that it could be slightly better. There are times when I find myself getting frustrated by the sport.
For example, the scrum, the lineout and the endless amount of kicking to touch which commentators justify by saying the offending team is "playing the percentages" or "kicking for territory". This might be the case but it does lead to a rather frustrating couple of minutes where not a great deal happens. It's all a bit slow. It invariably leads to a period of about five minutes where the paying spectator cannot see the ball and the formulaic lineout = maul = maul collapses = scrum, unfolds.
In rugby league, fans can see the ball. And the lack of line outs, mauls and huge scrums (which can sometimes take 5 minutes to perfect) mean that more time can be spent on what rugby is about. Flowing passing, massive hits and trys. Lots of trys. In my opinion it is the way rugby should be.
2) THE FANS
This is a point that cannot be stressed enough.
Now, rugby League fans are not perfect. I am not a subscriber to the "family game" image that sections of the media and the RFL wish to project. This is not because I believe families have no place in our game. Of course they do, to suggest otherwise would be insane. It is simply because I think every sport is a family game. Even football. I went to many football matches as a kid. I went to many rugby league matches as a kid. There was very little difference.
However, one aspect of family game is very true I think. That rugby league IS a family. Whenever one of the rugby league fraternity is in need, the sports community rallies around them. For evidence of this, look no further than Steve Prescott, or, in more tragic circumstances, players like Leon Walker and Adam Watene (RIP)
Also, that rugby league fans can share space without trying to rip eachothers heads off. Events like the magic weekend, which for all their critics, I have enjoyed immensely, show that fans of all clubs can set aside their differences and come together for these festivals of the sport. When the good of the sport is in question, rugby league fans usually deliver.
3) THE PLAYERS
Lets get one thing straight, rugby league players are not superstars. And thank christ for that.
They're actually normal people. You can go over and talk to them in your local pub and they often make time to talk to the fans. I can only speak from my own experience but at the Wire, the players usually come over to the fans at the end of the game and thank them for their support. Properly, not just the couple of quick claps and then off that you get at premier league matches.
In short, they're not prima donnas. They're quite an honest bunch as well. Diving is not a real problem in the sport. It can be seen sometimes, wearing the guise of "milking a penalty", but it is not rife. The day a rugby league player ever feigns injury, for instance, will be a sad day for the sport.
They are good role models also. They show respect for the official on the field and the idea that what happens on the field stays on the field is admirable.
4) THE OFFICIALS
Oh my God. I am actually praising Rugby League referees.
Now they may not be perfect. They may make mistakes (show me someone who doesn't) and in the heat of the moment some of us, this blogger included, may have vented our frustrations with their decisions in quite a robust manner. But without them, there is no game. And also, they are a strong bunch.
For a rugby league referee would not put up with half of the rubbish a football referee has to put up with. Football refs moan about a lack of respect shown by players towards them but there are times when I find myself thinking "GROW A PAIR" whilst watching it on tv. Football refs need to figure out what rugby league refs did a long time ago. They don't have to put up with it. They have cards and a whistle, and they rule. Rugby League refs use them effectively.
5) A SPORT THAT TAKES RISKS RATHER THAN AVOIDS THEM
As a sport, rugby league has always looked forward. The RFL have come up with innovative ideas that have met with varying degrees of success. But at least they are making an attempt.
There are many examples of rugby league being ahead of other British sports. Our use of video technology to ensure greater accuracy in crucial decisions being one. Why football still has its head in the sand, I'll never know. Wire coach Tony Smith is against it also. Now I think Tony Smith is God for what he has done for us in the last couple of years but that is one thing I cannot agree with him over.
Other innovative ideas involve Super League and the move to summer. Anyone who thinks that was a bad move should have a word with themselves.
I have been hooked on the sport ever since bordering on obsession. It is, without doubt in my opinion, the greatest game of all. Here are my reasons, in no particular order, why this is the case.
1) ITS RUGBY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE PLAYED
Now, before I begin, I have a confession to make. I am a rugby league fan who bares no grudge against the other code. Indeed, I have often found myself enjoying rugby union games and for my sins I used to play the game myself. I was a flanker (forgive me father...). It is a very good sport.
However, if I do have one axe to grind with the sport it is that it could be slightly better. There are times when I find myself getting frustrated by the sport.
For example, the scrum, the lineout and the endless amount of kicking to touch which commentators justify by saying the offending team is "playing the percentages" or "kicking for territory". This might be the case but it does lead to a rather frustrating couple of minutes where not a great deal happens. It's all a bit slow. It invariably leads to a period of about five minutes where the paying spectator cannot see the ball and the formulaic lineout = maul = maul collapses = scrum, unfolds.
In rugby league, fans can see the ball. And the lack of line outs, mauls and huge scrums (which can sometimes take 5 minutes to perfect) mean that more time can be spent on what rugby is about. Flowing passing, massive hits and trys. Lots of trys. In my opinion it is the way rugby should be.
2) THE FANS
This is a point that cannot be stressed enough.
Now, rugby League fans are not perfect. I am not a subscriber to the "family game" image that sections of the media and the RFL wish to project. This is not because I believe families have no place in our game. Of course they do, to suggest otherwise would be insane. It is simply because I think every sport is a family game. Even football. I went to many football matches as a kid. I went to many rugby league matches as a kid. There was very little difference.
However, one aspect of family game is very true I think. That rugby league IS a family. Whenever one of the rugby league fraternity is in need, the sports community rallies around them. For evidence of this, look no further than Steve Prescott, or, in more tragic circumstances, players like Leon Walker and Adam Watene (RIP)
Also, that rugby league fans can share space without trying to rip eachothers heads off. Events like the magic weekend, which for all their critics, I have enjoyed immensely, show that fans of all clubs can set aside their differences and come together for these festivals of the sport. When the good of the sport is in question, rugby league fans usually deliver.
3) THE PLAYERS
Lets get one thing straight, rugby league players are not superstars. And thank christ for that.
They're actually normal people. You can go over and talk to them in your local pub and they often make time to talk to the fans. I can only speak from my own experience but at the Wire, the players usually come over to the fans at the end of the game and thank them for their support. Properly, not just the couple of quick claps and then off that you get at premier league matches.
In short, they're not prima donnas. They're quite an honest bunch as well. Diving is not a real problem in the sport. It can be seen sometimes, wearing the guise of "milking a penalty", but it is not rife. The day a rugby league player ever feigns injury, for instance, will be a sad day for the sport.
They are good role models also. They show respect for the official on the field and the idea that what happens on the field stays on the field is admirable.
4) THE OFFICIALS
Oh my God. I am actually praising Rugby League referees.
Now they may not be perfect. They may make mistakes (show me someone who doesn't) and in the heat of the moment some of us, this blogger included, may have vented our frustrations with their decisions in quite a robust manner. But without them, there is no game. And also, they are a strong bunch.
For a rugby league referee would not put up with half of the rubbish a football referee has to put up with. Football refs moan about a lack of respect shown by players towards them but there are times when I find myself thinking "GROW A PAIR" whilst watching it on tv. Football refs need to figure out what rugby league refs did a long time ago. They don't have to put up with it. They have cards and a whistle, and they rule. Rugby League refs use them effectively.
5) A SPORT THAT TAKES RISKS RATHER THAN AVOIDS THEM
As a sport, rugby league has always looked forward. The RFL have come up with innovative ideas that have met with varying degrees of success. But at least they are making an attempt.
There are many examples of rugby league being ahead of other British sports. Our use of video technology to ensure greater accuracy in crucial decisions being one. Why football still has its head in the sand, I'll never know. Wire coach Tony Smith is against it also. Now I think Tony Smith is God for what he has done for us in the last couple of years but that is one thing I cannot agree with him over.
Other innovative ideas involve Super League and the move to summer. Anyone who thinks that was a bad move should have a word with themselves.
RSS FEEDS
Today, in digital journalism, we looked at how to use our Google accounts and RSS feeds. This involved looking at google reader (http://www.google.co.uk/reader) and how to access the information from our favourite websites without wasting time trawling the web to find them.
Most major news sites offer free RSS feeds which gives you the information you want, fast. For example, the BBC offers a free feed via its news page. By copying and pasting the url link from that page, you can add it to your subscriptions on Google Reader by simply clicking on the add subscription box.
We also learnt about websites such as http://www.delicious.com/ and http://trunk.ly/ These websites are a viable alternative to simple bookmarks and favourites when you are using the web.
By tagging, and using tags that other users have used, you can find the information you want, again, quickly. If you wish to find stories on Carlos Tevez, you merely type his name into the search box and all the stories he has been tagged in by other Delicious users will appear.
Then we went on to social networking sites and how to make news from your RSS feeds appear on your twitter account or facebook account. This was done with the help of websites such as: http://twitterfeed.com and http://ifttt.com.
These are websites that allow the fast transfer of information from your RSS feeds direct to other users on your Twitter and Facebook accounts. This is especially useful with Twitter because of the quick and easy ways you can find people with similar interests to your own on the site.
ifttt.com in particular caused a stir, because of the way you can time when stuff from your RSS feed can appear on websites. For example, you can make a post from your RSS feed appear every day at 2pm should you wish.
The session was very useful as it taught me how to use programmes I'd previously never used before. In particular google reader. It is a far simpler and quicker way to get the information you need rather than just trawling through the internet.
Most major news sites offer free RSS feeds which gives you the information you want, fast. For example, the BBC offers a free feed via its news page. By copying and pasting the url link from that page, you can add it to your subscriptions on Google Reader by simply clicking on the add subscription box.
We also learnt about websites such as http://www.delicious.com/ and http://trunk.ly/ These websites are a viable alternative to simple bookmarks and favourites when you are using the web.
By tagging, and using tags that other users have used, you can find the information you want, again, quickly. If you wish to find stories on Carlos Tevez, you merely type his name into the search box and all the stories he has been tagged in by other Delicious users will appear.
Then we went on to social networking sites and how to make news from your RSS feeds appear on your twitter account or facebook account. This was done with the help of websites such as: http://twitterfeed.com and http://ifttt.com.
These are websites that allow the fast transfer of information from your RSS feeds direct to other users on your Twitter and Facebook accounts. This is especially useful with Twitter because of the quick and easy ways you can find people with similar interests to your own on the site.
ifttt.com in particular caused a stir, because of the way you can time when stuff from your RSS feed can appear on websites. For example, you can make a post from your RSS feed appear every day at 2pm should you wish.
The session was very useful as it taught me how to use programmes I'd previously never used before. In particular google reader. It is a far simpler and quicker way to get the information you need rather than just trawling through the internet.
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