Have supporters who cant attend matches

[jon15u]

As much rights to voice their opinions as those that do?

It has sometimes been implied that because supporters dont attend matches they havent a realistic view of things so really shouldnt have a say. Now i cant attend matches because of my location, but will when at home. I however pay good money for a football channel to solely watch us play so i can see the dross others who sit in the cold have to endure.

Now does a percentage of my money go towards the club, I would say indirectly yes. So that, imo would give me as much right to voice my likes or dislikes on what i see being done to our club.

Anyone who suggests we cant get a realistic view because we dont attend is wrong. The only difference is we havent got to sit outside and watch it.

[BlackDiamond]

Yes,No,Yes,Yes and Yes

[JimmyV66]

Fans who do not attend many matches, or never attend any matches still have every right to thier opinion and views.

Fans who go to the games will have a better understanding of what they are seeing, those fellow fans views, atmospehre, you get a better all round view of the game because you see everything that goes on with the players who dont have the ball, ect ect.

But if those fans are pulling up fans who go to all home games or all home and away then they are in wrong. If fans who hardly/never go slag off the fans who do go then it can be very grating.

For example the other week on KUMB there was a fan who admits he has only ever been to watch West Ham live 4 times, 1 of which was a friendly and the last time he went was nearly a decade ago. He also admits that because of his poor internet connection he does not stream the games as much and relies on radio commentry.

He slags off all the anti Allardyce fans and even told several who have been ST holders home and away for 10,20

[jon15u]

decided there were too many yeses so added the No.

[jon15u]

Ok thanks Jimmy, i get your point, and agree that not all the off ball action can be seen, but on the whole i can get a good idea on how sh1...te we played.

As it grates you to be called " not a real fan " so does it i when i am made to feel my opinion is worthless cause i cant attend matches.

Your example though of the sort you were aiming at is a good one.

[JimmyV66]

Jon you view and opinions as far as im concerned are very valid.

You go to games when you can, you watch as many as you can and you dont slag off those fans who do go because they hold a differant view to you.

As it happens most on here who post never really do that, some but rarely. (IE slag off fans who go when never going themselfs)

On the other two main forums it goes on quite a bit. So many posters admitting they dont go or even watch, but think it is then ok to tell fans who always go to F off and call them "non-genuine"

[bonzosbest74]

I am a member and will attend less than 10 games a season (usually the lower category games) but I've been doing that since I was a boy living in Ilford. My investment is still warranted because I'll purchase my kids shirts from the club shop as well as the usual mugs, egg cups and other branded goods for Christmas and Birthdays.


However, I clearly don't have my finger on the pulse as much as someone like hammerman69 who attends every match home and away. I still love the club but their level of commitment is clearly greater than mine.

We are all allowed our opinions particularly on a West Ham forum, it's a great way for our overseas fans to speak directly to those who attend and get a better feel for the club.

What is clear though is that going to the game gives you a far better view and idea of how the match had unfolded. I remember a game some years ago where Don Hutchinson had a complete nightmare yet when I got home after the game and watched MOTD highlights it looked like he

[stevo1272]

Evening John

Interesting post mate and as far as I'm concerned you along with other fans who can't attend games have every right to voice their opinions as much as fans like me who go every week have..anyone who says otherwise is a hypocrite..

The amount of fans who don't go to watch their teams outnumber the ones who do go by millions and they all have a view regardless of how they watch the game...if football or more importantly your club is in your heart then it is with you for life mate and your views are valued ,don't ever think they are not..

[jon15u]

Bonzo, good post especially re highlights. I never form opinions on highlights because as you say, they dont show all, and often make a game look better than it actually was.

Thanks Steve, and West Ham has been in my blood for 48 years so i have seen a few ups and downs, and i dont mean between the sheets.

[Phil_Parkes_No1]

I have been a West Ham supporter for 37 years , and from the 1978 season to 1993 I attended home and away matches ,then I was away from home for a few years returning for the 1998 season under HR, since then had a family to support but still try to go five to six times a season with my younger son who has become a hammer since 2002 , so yes I think I think it is ok for a now armchair supporter to have a view on the club.
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