Are you a "supporter?

[holmleighchris]

Although I normally agree with quite a lot of what you say, Whicka_Mon, I have to disagree here. I don't go to away matches, and select the home games which I think might just be entertaining; those I don't go to plus the away games, I watch on either TV or Stream, which may well just follow the ball but you do get the action replays that show you the build up to a score, etc.. you don't get that when in attendance. You can't get any real picture of the game if all you do is listen on the radio, as I know some on here do! There you are completely in the hands of the commentary.

But what an interesting question - fan or supporter.

To my mind, a fan ( a derivative from the word fanatic) is someone who goes to games and dependant upon the outcome will either be happy if the result is what they want - i.e a win - or have a very short temper that they unleash upon others. They may well not have a long standing relationship with the club - even having given their attentions to other clubs in the past.
However, a supporter has a lifetime association with the one club and is there whether the club is successful or not.

Now, having said that, I ask myself the question - fan or supporter?

Having first witnessed Albion as a young 9 year old in the mid 70's, up to quite recently I would say "Supporter". However, since the coming of a certain fellow mid-way through the 2014/15 season, if I'm honest with myself, I have to say that I am now a "Fan" but purely for the type of football that is offered up, not for any other reason and will remain so until a change is upon us, at which time I will consider myself back as a Supporter. Perhaps the same applies to others who post here.

Auf Wiedersehen

It's the movement off the ball you don't get to see when watching on TV/a stream, also the atmosphere can't be captured. That said replays etc., do give you plenty that you miss if attending.
Having stopped attending, down somewhat to Pulis but also for personal reasons, I can't see me becoming a regular at games again. I've found I don't miss it as much as I imagined I would. Surprising after 60 years or so.
Here I am when I was a fanatic!