It's a good article, but I shouldn't read stuff like this as I despair. I've grappled with this for years and I voted with my feet when the price of a ticket went above £35. As much as I love football, it isn't worth more to me than that.
I also think the richest clubs know that where demand is much higher than supply, they can afford to pay lip service to the 'fan voice'. A cynical and slightly depressing view, I know.
For me, the sort of community you speak of can still be found, but you have to head to the lower leagues where it's harder to fill the stadium.
I totally get your frustration; this really is super tricky to navigate. We want football to thrive and grow but also to hold on to the values and things that made us love it in the first place.
I do need to mention that I've managed to find and build community even around bigger clubs, but I agree that it's more challenging.
I very much agree with you, and really, you're making a far better statement by staying away. But the sad thing is, those seats just get sold elsewhere and the club's aren't worried about losing that old-school fan. The game has moved on in so many ways, but foolishly there are still many of us clinging on to the belief it hasn't been taken away from us quite so much.
It's a good article, but I shouldn't read stuff like this as I despair. I've grappled with this for years and I voted with my feet when the price of a ticket went above £35. As much as I love football, it isn't worth more to me than that.
I also think the richest clubs know that where demand is much higher than supply, they can afford to pay lip service to the 'fan voice'. A cynical and slightly depressing view, I know.
For me, the sort of community you speak of can still be found, but you have to head to the lower leagues where it's harder to fill the stadium.
I totally get your frustration; this really is super tricky to navigate. We want football to thrive and grow but also to hold on to the values and things that made us love it in the first place.
I do need to mention that I've managed to find and build community even around bigger clubs, but I agree that it's more challenging.
I very much agree with you, and really, you're making a far better statement by staying away. But the sad thing is, those seats just get sold elsewhere and the club's aren't worried about losing that old-school fan. The game has moved on in so many ways, but foolishly there are still many of us clinging on to the belief it hasn't been taken away from us quite so much.