I noted this in the Guardian:
Sorry, but on this occasion I really hope he messes up.
I was brought up in Ipswich and still support ITFC.
I don't care who is appointed chair of Norwich, I'd still hope they mess up.
Which is not too popular an opinion in Norfolk.
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The thing I dislike most about football, and there’s plenty to choose from, is the way fans define themselves by which other teams they dislike or even hate. I know that your post is probably meant to be taken light heartedly but it still displays this same tendency, very unattractive.
I think if it stays at this level such rivalry is normal and without harm
Indeed, one of the roles for sport is to keep it at this inconsequential level
The thing is, Richard, these teams have virtually zero connection with their geographical location and might as well be called Team A,B……I’ve heard that some people prefer the lower league (or non-league teams) because they seem more local and less like big corporations. My local team, Cheltenham, is now non-league and you can watch a match for a tenner!
Football has become a big dream for many African kids who see it as their way out of poverty-this deflects attention from the structural problems of inequality and it pisses me off. I personally wish Rugby had remained amateur where people had real jobs and could relate to something else-I love rugby but Rugby Union is often a conduit to the corporate world after retirement.
I can agree with much of that
And the advantage of semi-professional football is you can still stand and wander round the ground
I agree. The football team I support is the only one in the town I come from so I don’t know what it feels like to support a team from a bigger city with two or more teams. But if there were two teams I’d find it hard not to support the other one just a little. Just like I support the Scotland international team just a little on the flimsiest of family ancestry.
If Richard had his wish and Norwich City really messed up, in the same way that Glasgow Rangers messed up, then Ipswich Town would be deprived of a important local rival in the same way that Celtic supporters have been deprived of their local rivalry.
Football clubs need each other for obvious reasons. City needs United. Celtic needs Rangers etc.
Oh come on: I would never get near wishing a Rangers on them
Only League One
During my time in the RAF I lived in East Anglia for quite a while and followed both Ipswich and Norwich. If pushed I would say I favour Norwich, but – come on Richard let – fair play and competition rule and let the best man win.
Of course
Within reason
And supporting Ipswich has, by and large, been a lesson in embracing failure
“And supporting Ipswich has, by and large, been a lesson in embracing failure”
Think yourself lucky! My team is bottom of the Championship and teetering on the edge of Administration. The players weren’t paid in November and may not get paid this month either!
But we did win yesterday, for a change, so there’s still some hope!
Hang on then
Which team for John McDonnell?