England Blades

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

OK. Netherlands it is, but a lot of us do call it Holland.

Yes. But. You get my point don't you. People sneering at what they perceive to be "Little Englanders". Look at me. I know it all. England. Paaah. No one cares. You're like Rotherham.

Yet, they can't even get the name of the country they're pretending to support correct.

I'm a England fan. Go to games. Visit places. See things. Learn about stuff. Embrace it. Culture. Politics. The right names for things. That sort of stuff.

 

[YES Blade]

They aren’t paid by England though and I’m sure City see Sterling as value for money this season, for instance

It always makes me laugh when United fans call England players overpaid.

It’s all relative, does a Championship player deserve to be a millionaire? It could certainly be argued they don’t. At least the England players are performing at the highest level and winning things for their clubs.

The money in football is what it is, you either accept it or find another sport to watch.

 

[YES Blade]

Then there's the whole thing about beating a nation's team that doesn't stand much of a chance. It's not like club football where you can get in some good players and some financial backing and improve your team, a country is stuck with what it's got.

To me that’s the part of international football I like the most, the fact that you are stuck with the players you have got. You have to try and develop players and can’t just buy success.

The money in the club game has gone so crazy that you can’t even dream anymore. We have a great manager in Wilder, but he can only achieve so much without financial backing. It’s pretty sad that our only chance of winning a trophy is hoping that a multi billionaire decides Sheffield United is the club for him/her.

 

[cahill]

Oh, I’m all for the kids being enthusiastic about England. There was no bigger lion than me in my youth. I cried for hours when we lost to West Germany in 1970. We had a team in those days. Then my mum reminded me I was half Irish which helped, but not much. The way we matched the finest football team the world has ever seen in the group games, beaten only by genius in a titanic struggle, deserved better than defeat occasioned by Banks’ illness and Charlton’s half-time departure. It was a better or at least as good a team as the ‘66 Champions.

As I’ve grown older I’ve realised it will never happen again. Long gone are the days when we produced players equal to or better than the Latin, Franco and Germanic teams. One glance at the Premier League squads confirms that unassailable proposition.

I’m rather weary of the familiar biennial charade whereby the press and tv try to whip the nation into patriotic fervour by suggesting we have the remotest chance of winning the tournament. Shirts go on; car flags are proudly flown. We then get a football lesson from some little-known nation, represented by names both unpronounceable and unknown, but who embarrass our unimaginative plodders with their technique, pace and creativity.

There are one or two classy players in the current paper generation but they are hugely outweighed by mediocrities who are utterly deluded if they have any pretentions to be better than even half of the other nations on show. As for the usual elite nations; not within a country mile, I’m afraid.

I salute your lad’s passion. I hope it subsists beyond the first couple of weeks, whether England are still there or not. I fear his prediction is a triumph of hope over experience. We shall see...

I agree. I think it was the habitual booing of the other countries national anthem that was the final nail for me. Watched England v West Germany at a bar in Turkey surrounded by both German and English families and the disrespectful yobbishness of England fans was cringeworthy, so much so that I left my seat and went to have a word with one such prat. Couldn’t help it just had to do it.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I agree. I think it was the habitual booing of the other countries national anthem that was the final nail for me. Watched England v West Germany at a bar in Turkey surrounded by both German and English families and the disrespectful yobbishness of England fans was cringeworthy, so much so that I left my seat and went to have a word with one such prat. Couldn’t help it just had to do it.

I'll boo when Sheffield Wednesday fans sing their Hi Ho anthem - because it shows disrespect to my opponent.

I'll expect Sheffield Wednesday fans to boo when I sing our Fill Up My Senses anthem - because it shows disrespect to their opponent.

I'll boo when German fans sing their anthem - because it shows disrespect to my opponent.

I'm a Republican & Atheist, so I choose not to sing God Save The Queen at England games, I've no problem with those who choose to sing it. And I'll expect German fans to boo as that anthem is being sung - because it shows disrespect to their opponent.

Showing disrespect to your opponent is a big part of football fan culture the world over. Calling people silly names such as Pigs is part of that. Booing "anthems" is entirely consistent.

 

[cahill]

I'll boo when Sheffield Wednesday fans sing their Hi Ho anthem - because it shows disrespect to my opponent.

I'll expect Sheffield Wednesday fans to boo when I sing our Fill Up My Senses anthem - because it shows disrespect to their opponent.

I'll boo when German fans sing their anthem - because it shows disrespect to my opponent.

I'm a Republican & Atheist, so I choose not to sing God Save The Queen at England games, I've no problem with those who choose to sing it. And I'll expect German fans to boo as that anthem is being sung - because it shows disrespect to their opponent.

Showing disrespect to your opponent is a big part of football fan culture the world over. Calling people silly names such as Pigs is part of that. Booing "anthems" is entirely consistent.

Entirely consistent with being an ignorant yob with no manners

 

[cahill]

Yes. But. You get my point don't you. People sneering at what they perceive to be "Little Englanders". Look at me. I know it all. England. Paaah. No one cares. You're like Rotherham.

Yet, they can't even get the name of the country they're pretending to support correct.

I'm a England fan. Go to games. Visit places. See things. Learn about stuff. Embrace it. Culture. Politics. The right names for things. That sort of stuff.

« Embrace culture and politics » sure

 

[cahill]

Just to clarify. I have no problem booing club anthems, that’s an English club tradition. To be honest I’ve not heard or don’t hear other countries fans booing our anthem..

That may make me inconsistent in your view. You may well be right.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Just to clarify. I have no problem booing club anthems, that’s an English club tradition. To be honest I’ve not heard or don’t hear other countries fans booing our anthem..

That may make me inconsistent in your view. You may well be right.

cahill I'll salute your style. I said disrespectful name calling is part of football fan culture the world over. You agree 100% - and call me an ignorant yob with no manners - love your work. Gave me nowhere to go....

If I've got the rule book right, it's OK to boo one team's anthem but you're (ie I'm) an ignorant yob if you boo a different team's anthem. Roger that....

 

[cahill]

cahill I'll salute your style. I said disrespectful name calling is part of football fan culture the world over. You agree 100% - and call me an ignorant yob with no manners - love your work. Gave me nowhere to go....

If I've got the rule book right, it's OK to boo one team's anthem but you're (ie I'm) an ignorant yob if you boo a different team's anthem. Roger that....

You carry on « booing » Phil

 

[cahill]

cahill I'll salute your style. I said disrespectful name calling is part of football fan culture the world over. You agree 100% - and call me an ignorant yob with no manners - love your work. Gave me nowhere to go....

If I've got the rule book right, it's OK to boo one team's anthem but you're (ie I'm) an ignorant yob if you boo a different team's anthem. Roger that....

I’m differentiating between club and country. You do get that don’t you ?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I’m differentiating between club and country. You do get that don’t you ?

Yes. And I'm not looking for an argument. I'm not differentiating between club & country. I know you get that.
If you fancy withdrawing the ignorant yob silly name calling I'd understand.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

Anyone interested interested in attending England v Costa Rica at Hellend Road on Thursday, to see ex Blades Harry McGuire and Kyle Walker?
I have a spare ticket for South Stand, lower tier.
I'm only wanting 20 pounds, (less than half price)

Cue load of comments, England are crap, wouldn't pay 20p, rather watch paint dry, etc etc...

Bellend Road if you please

 

[Wapping Blade]

They aren’t paid by England though and I’m sure City see Sterling as value for money this season, for instance

Agreed, the point (that you are obtusely missing in almost Walthy-like proportions) is that they don’t do the same for Eng-ur-lund.

 

[The Crab]

His only got skinny legs there’s no chance

I'll have her on me. Erm…………...I mean the tattoo obviously...…………..

 

[The Crab]

I've got my ticket for the Final sorted "in case England get there".

You rang them up pretending to be Sepp Blatter didn't you?

 

[The Crab]

Well I do. So, I'll have a go at that one.

I'm a football fan. I have a club side I support. They are called Sheffield United. I started going to matches in the 1960s. Since I started going, they have often been shit. Occasionally in the top flight. But more often than not screwing it up in some way. I care, of course I care. But, they're my team. Thick n thin. In sickness or in health.

I also have a national side I support. They are called England. I started going to matches in the 1970s. Since I started going, they have often been shit. Occasionally in the top flight. But more often than not screwing it up in some way. I care, of course I care. But, they're my team. Thick n thin. In sickness or in health.

If Sheffield United ever played England. I would definitely support Sheffield United in that game. But, they won't. So, there is no conflict there at all.

But, England are shit & lose games (I hear you say). Mate - have you even heard of Sheffield United?

I've made lifelong mates supporting England. Including many who are also Sheffield United fans. I never met them at The Lane, but I met them in Budapest, Minsk, Lund. I met my wife on an England away trip. We're on an England away trip now in the South of France. I have seen the World watching England. Brazil, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Albania when it was still closed. Transnistria, which still is closed. Tourist places. Famous places. Unusual places. Met people. Looked 'em in the eye. Bought them a beer.

I'm a football fan. I like watching my team(s). No conflct between Utd & England obviously. People support shit teams. Many support Sheffield United. Are we getting anywhere?

Fair play to you Phil. I'm not that bothered anymore sadly. But you are, and you described why you are brilliantly, I'm actually a bit envious! Fair play fella.

 

[The Crab]

I tend not to trust people who identify as being English but claim to hate the England team. They remind me of people in this country who claim to ‘support’ Barcelona or (for my generation) those that hated ‘English’ sports (footy, rugby, cricket etc) but suddenly got ‘really into’ NFL and started walking about in American Football shirts, or those that hated football but started watching ice hockey. I just know I’ll have nothing in common with them, they’ll have shit taste in music and will probably try to shag your missus as soon as your back’s turned.

I don't hate them, I just don't care like I did. I wish I did, it's Football, the biggest tournament there is, is about to begin. But my interest has lowered to I'll watch it if there's bugger else on.

I'll never hate Football, but I hate many aspects of what it has become. I get your comments about other sports, but I'm also a Hockey fan and have been since the Sheffield Steelers first started. Seeing an NHL game last year was a real treat for me.

I'd like to think if we ever met, we'd have a few things in common. I promise to leave your wife alone, unless she has a fetish for fat, bald, middle aged Diabetics then I'm afraid all bets are off

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I'll go with the flow that Boozers from England kicking it off in a bar full of families in a Turkish resort while watching a game on the big screen are out of order.

But, I'm posing a simple challenge.
Do you really think that England supporters who have traveled to World Cups in Japan, Germany, South Africa & Brazil, don't embrace the local football culture, meet locals, get on with them, learn from them? These traveling fans are some of the most experienced & resourceful tourists in the world.
OK. Games in Amsterdam, Paris, different story.
But, come on, really, people who are committed England football tourists enjoy & embrace more cultures & different countries than many other people.
It makes no sense to brand those supporters ignorant.

 

[JohnDenver]

Times were different then...

Don’t think I’m having a pop at you personally, but the “times were different” argument is one of my bug bears. I’ve read other fans say the same stuff about Blades related violence of their youth.

Nostalgia for carrying on in a manner that would appall you if it happened nowadays around your kids and grandkids is such a weak indulgence.

 

[Pinchy]

Yes. And I'm not looking for an argument. I'm not differentiating between club & country. I know you get that.
If you fancy withdrawing the ignorant yob silly name calling I'd understand.

You embrace the culture and politics of other nations by ‘disrespecting your opponents’? What an odd notion.



“England” fans disrespecting the opposition. An impressive example of national pride.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Don’t think I’m having a pop at you personally, but the “times were different” argument is one of my bug bears. I’ve read other fans say the same stuff about Blades related violence of their youth.

Nostalgia for carrying on in a manner that would appall you if it happened nowadays around your kids and grandkids is such a weak indulgence.

JohnDenver I don't mind engaging mate. I'm an old guy. I decided a good few years ago to just be honest with myself & with others. My own truth & reconciliation committee if you like. So, you'll have to take my word for it. At England away games I've thrown one punch (connected - Tunis), one kick (missed - Paris) & no missiles.
I've never been arrested at domestic games. Never thrown a kick, nor punch. I was binned out at Molineux once for obstructing a steward. I've been escorted off a good few "home ends".
So, in that Grand Scheme, I'm going to say I wasn't a Wrong 'Un.
But, at England games, I was part of that big show of strength, we're here, we're drinking the lot, fucks not given culture.
I have no nostalgia for "those days". And I can fully understand what you say. I won't defend what I was involved in.
As it happens, my Times Were Different Then throw away line was actually aimed more at how the Authorities & Police could behave. My Italia 90 experience was Summary Justice. No process. We've got you. You're English. You're out of here. I'm not complaining. That was how it was then. Are we meeting in the middle JohnDenver ?

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

You embrace the culture and politics of other nations by ‘disrespecting your opponents’? What an odd notion.

View attachment 40311

“England” fans disrespecting the opposition. An impressive example of national pride.

Hi Pinchy mate. You still at it? Football Stadiums are just unreal spaces aren't they? I'll cuss & I'll curse & I'll gesticulate in the ground. For those 90 minutes, the opponents are the enemy. Disrespect is the thing. Boo Boo Boo.
But just before kick off, immediately after full time, it's not the thing is it? Then it's embrace, buy everyone a beer, get the night going.
Surely at some part of your life you've been enough of a football fan to realise that simple difference. Come on, join the party

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

Now Toulon Champions 3 times on the bounce. Well played lads!

I appreciate that you can only beat the teams that you play against, but the general standard of Toulon was poor this year, as it has been for a few years now. England have been the strongest side there for the last three events. 2014 was probably the last decent standard of teams, last year's was shockingly poor. Chances are that it'll be poor next year as well before the organising committee sort it out.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I appreciate that you can only beat the teams that you play against, but the general standard of Toulon was poor this year, as it has been for a few years now. England have been the strongest side there for the last three events. Chances are that it'll be poor next year as well before the organising committee sort it out.

We're just South of Lyon on the way back from the Toulon Tournament. Mexico were a very good team. In odd numbered years, like last year's David Brooks, George Hirst show, Toulon can be odd because there are also FIFA U20 & UEFA U21 Tournaments. I agree in general with your point Nicolaus_Copernicus Toulon is generally hit & miss quality. Great tournament to attend though.

 

[Pinchy]

But, come on, really, people who are committed England football tourists enjoy & embrace more cultures & different countries than many other people.
It makes no sense to brand those supporters ignorant.

No sense at all...



Tourists embracing culture.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

No sense at all...

View attachment 40313

Tourists embracing culture.

Fuck me, that's Louis Reed at the back isn't it?

 

[Bert]

I'll boo when German fans sing their anthem - because it shows disrespect to my opponent.

Bert was generally supportive of your England viewpoint until you came out with that crap. You're just yet another embarrassment to our country.

 

[Pinchy]

Fuck me, that's Louis Reed at the back isn't it?

You wouldn’t be able to see him. He’s little and not very good at football. Rather like England.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

We're just South of Lyon on the way back from the Toulon Tournament. Mexico were a very good team. In odd numbered years, like last year's David Brooks, George Hirst show, Toulon can be odd because there are also FIFA U20 & UEFA U21 Tournaments. I agree in general with your point Nicolaus_Copernicus Toulon is generally hit & miss quality. Great tournament to attend though.

You know your stuff. It's a great tournament to attend and it's a lovely part of the world to visit, sadly at some games there's more scouts than spectators. Mexico usually put in a decent team and they have a lot of talent at that level. Deigo Lainez this year is a bit special. France are taking a bit of hammer for not putting their strongest team in it, the tournament suffers when the strongest african teams doesn't go (FA money issues in recent years) and the South Americans don't sent a couple of teams. In recent years a clash with the tournaments you highlight, the olympics and the south american u20's has meant that teams like scotland, wales, cuba, indonesia are playing. Also some matches are u19's v u21's, rather than a straight u20. Saying that, when you look at the players that play there, at least 3 or 4 every tournament go on to be high quality international players in the future.