Watching teams other than your own...

[Pyeman]

I've just been reading the "What would you do if your team did a Hereford?" thread and was inspired to start a similar, albeit different discussion.

For about two and a half years now I've lived near Stoke-on-Trent, meaning it's very rare I get to watch many Burnley games live, certainly nowhere near as much as I'd like. However I have managed to get to a few games this season, most recently over the Christmas period where I got to see a couple of matches.

After what feels like a binge on live football compared to what I've been used to, I've realised just how much I've missed going to games. Even though we didn't win either of the games I saw, both matches against Liverpool and City were really enjoyable and it's reminded me how good seeing your team play can be.

I was just wondering what people's opinions were on watching teams that aren't your own. I could try and take in more live football locally at either Stoke or Port Vale at a push, but I just don't think I'd enjoy it anywhere near as much as watching Burnley.

Failing that, I suppose I'll have to do with the occasional game when I can make it. Either that or do a three hour round trip every other weekend.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

I dont see a problem with it as long as its as such a local side,, if it was floating around numerous clubs as a neutral i'd have to question if the experience is any good.

i've usually only been Carlisle, but did at times when not watching Carlisle go and see Workington if they were at home, last season when i wasn't watching Carlisle i went to a couple of Annan games.

if any local side gets into a play-off i'll see if i can get to see it,

if i moved down south i'd go and watch the local club

 

[ForeverUnited]

I've watched several clubs this season, which has been great and a totally different experience. You'll never have that feeling you get off watching your club, but I have enjoyed it nonetheless.

 

[Pliny Harris]

I feel I'd watch another local club if I relocated.

The memories of watching Town wouldn't go and I can't see myself completely losing my passion for that. When I lived in Dirty Leeds it made a negligible difference on the home and away games I could manage. I only watched Guiseley for a non-Town game once in that time but it was an OK day and showed their fans to be a good sort. A housemate always wanted to watch Farsley but I guess we never got round to it, and I sure as hell wasn't going to watch Leeds all of a sudden.

Were I further out I'd probably support the local team unless I'd already made up my mind on them. Would probably only watch a Foreign Millionaires League team as a one-off too. Being a bit of a sad act I'd probably ground hop.

 

[Jarvis]

I go to Torquay United every now and again. Haven't really got the time or money to make the trip up to Stans, and when I do have the money, I usually end up spending it on going to gigs instead as bands don't tend to lose or draw.

 

[Richard Cranium]

In the last round of the FA Cup I did Preston v Norwich and then Stoke v Wrexham the following day. It's not the same as watching Mansfield, I think I enjoy going out on the lash with around 30 others every week and having a good laugh at games. It's only because Mansfield are my local team, It's your club. A club you care about passionately, watching anyone else for me is boring. I'd sooner spend £50 in Mansfield town centre when we have a Blank Saturday in future...

 

[Bobbin']

Occasionally will get down and watch Welling United if I can.

Few years back, met a few Bristol Rovers fans through a Villa fan I met in Barcelona (long story) and ended up going to a few Rovers games including the JPT final in Cardiff and the play-off final at Wembley. Did a couple of away games with them too, Derby in the FA Cup and Barnet as well as travelling to Bristol on a couple of occasions.

Still look out for their scores now despite losing touch with these people.

 

[Alf Stewart]

I take my two boys to watch Bury from time to time when Stoke aren't playing, nice to see them do well as it's good for the area and all that jazz but ultimately you walk away not really bothered about the score as long as it's a decent game. Kids enjoy it though....

 

[Smudge]

Not so much anymore, but while I was doing the 92, Id always try and find somewhere new to go when I had the time off work , or would take the opportunity if we had a long away trip to try and do a weekender and squeeze another ground I was missing in. Did Barnet on a Friday night when we were at Reading on the Saturday a few years ago for example. Not done it so much this season with me being finished in the 92 now, and having Europe to pay for, but have still found time to do a couple of local non league games. Sometimes nice to be able to just watch and enjoy a game of football without the pressure of worrying about the result.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Think that's it for me Smudge I always pick the dullest of games to go to. For example I went to Preston v Norwich when a local team around here called AFC Mansfield were playing in a local derby game and loads of Stags fans were going but I chose Preston. The Local game finished 3-3, in which one side came from 3-0 down with 10 men!

 

[Aberstone]

I try and get to a few local games each season - Barton Rovers, Dunstable Town and Hitchin Town especially. I'll probably go to Harpenden and Ampthill if either have any Tuesday night games remaining this season. Both would be new grounds to add to the ever-growing list.

 

[CFC91]

Gotta mate who follows Everton everywhere so tagged along for 5/6 games a season for past couple of years. Been and followed them in Europe and it was excellent, so much so I'm off to Bern next month for the next round.

Never quite get into it the same and although it is enjoyable visiting new places it's obviously not the same. My mate on the other hand has probably been to as many of our games as I have this season and really enjoys going so I reckon we have a convert!