The Footie Thread

[Billysboots]

Exactly, 2nd longest journey for away fans, I thought it was a bit early, but he reckons it because of Driver’s hours etc and the stops they’ll be mandated to do.

He reckons half the blokes will turn up half cut and then continue drinking through the journey, so you then have the risk of the away fans turning up drunk.

Not a recognised supporter’s club coach, then?

 

[Swango1980]

If you live on the extremities of the country, what is genuinely the best time to have kick off when you are away at somewhere like Bournemouth?

Google maps says the journey is over 6 hours. I guess that could be over 8 hours with stops and traffic. So, you have 8 hours each way, 2 hrs at match, and maybe an hour either side minimum, for flexibility? That is 20 hrs. So, either way, you are going to be travelling in middle of night.

If it were me, I'd far rather leave early and get home early. Maybe have a nap on the bus on the way there.

Maybe others would like to leave later and get home before dawn the next day

 

[PaulMdj]

Not a recognised supporter’s club coach, then?

It’s an organised coach, ie, Official supporters branch,

He’s going on the timings they’ve been given in the email,

Return journey is booked to leave between 2:30-3:00pm and arrive back traffic/stops included approx 9:00-10:00pm tomorrow night.

 

[Bazz]

Exactly, 2nd longest journey for away fans, I thought it was a bit early, but he reckons it because of Driver’s hours etc and the stops they’ll be mandated to do.

He reckons half the blokes will turn up half cut and then continue drinking through the journey, so you then have the risk of the away fans turning up drunk.

Can't imagine much worse than being steaming on a coach for that long. Somebody is definitely blocking the toilet too.

 

[PaulMdj]

Can't imagine much worse than being steaming on a coach for that long. Somebody is definitely blocking the toilet too.

Me neither, I’d of thought alcohol would of been banned on the coach’s, but I’m sure some would just ignore that.

With that kick off time the only other choice would of been by car, but still leaving stupid times and cost a lot more or travel today and stay overnight, again, expense and time off work, no chance of trains to get there on time.

 

[Swango1980]

Would 17.30 be best for Sunderland fans? I don't think there would be a train home without an overnight stay either. And I'm guessing they'd get home by 4-5am on Sunday if they went on bus

 

[Billysboots]

I’d of thought alcohol would have been banned on the coach’s

It is, which is why I asked the question.

 

[Pin-seeker]

It’s a crazy amount of travel no matter what time it’s played.
If it’s that much of a issue,don’t go.

 

[PaulMdj]

It is, which is why I asked the question.

No idea mate, you’re probably more upto date than me.

 

[IanM]

Someone ring the Premier League and explain that not everyone has a private jet. It might come as a shock to them!

 

[Swango1980]

It’s a crazy amount of travel no matter what time it’s played.
If it’s that much of a issue,don’t go.

And even better, because of the 12.30 kick off, it'll be on the TV for anyone that doesn't want to make the journey

 

[Pin-seeker]

And even better, because of the 12.30 kick off, it'll be on the TV for anyone that doesn't want to make the journey

They obviously don’t give a about the match going fan anymore,we all know that.
But don’t cry that you’ve “had to”travel to the other side of the country at daft a clock.
Just go to the local boozer & watch it

 

[Red devil]

Chatting to a mate this afternoon, he’s going to watch Sunderland tomorrow away at B’Mouth, coach leaving at 1am as it’s a 12:30 kick off tomorrow.

Once again the PL showing they don’t care about the fans.

Have they ever?

 

[Swango1980]

They obviously don’t give a about the match going fan anymore,we all know that.
But don’t cry that you’ve “had to”travel to the other side of the country at daft a clock.
Just go to the local boozer & watch it

Personally, I never have sympathy for the away fans. I admire their dedication though.

To me, it is a lifestyle choice. Not just about the match, but the travel is very much part of that. Especially when you live in Sunderland, Bournemouth, Carlisle, Plymouth, etc.

Whatever time kick off is, the travel is the crazy. 3pm kick off, the bus probably still leaves before 4am. The first train just about gets you there on time, but pray for no delays. And no train home. A late kick off definitely no train home, and by bus you get home the following morning. As I said before, if it was me, I'd prefer the early kick off as I'm an early riser. Others would prefer late. I think early or late is best, because 3pm just messes up your body clock before and after the match.

I also don't get the argument about them having to fork out money for a hotel. I mean, they probably spend an absolute fortune on home and away tickets all season, big travel costs perhaps, and a few expensive beers might be consumed. A few quid on a Travelodge every now and then doesn't seem to bad.

And then given less than 1% of football fans are match going fans (and match going fans are TV fans for every other game), then at least when the game is televised they get to see it. I wonder how many people living in Sunderland will tune in to watch today? I'm guessing a heck of a lot, and they probably are happy it is at 12.30 and not 3pm.

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

Personally, I never have sympathy for the away fans. I admire their dedication though.

To me, it is a lifestyle choice. Not just about the match, but the travel is very much part of that. Especially when you live in Sunderland, Bournemouth, Carlisle, Plymouth, etc.

Whatever time kick off is, the travel is the crazy. 3pm kick off, the bus probably still leaves before 4am. The first train just about gets you there on time, but pray for no delays. And no train home. A late kick off definitely no train home, and by bus you get home the following morning. As I said before, if it was me, I'd prefer the early kick off as I'm an early riser. Others would prefer late. I think early or late is best, because 3pm just messes up your body clock before and after the match.

I also don't get the argument about them having to fork out money for a hotel. I mean, they probably spend an absolute fortune on home and away tickets all season, big travel costs perhaps, and a few expensive beers might be consumed. A few quid on a Travelodge every now and then doesn't seem to bad.

And then given less than 1% of football fans are match going fans (and match going fans are TV fans for every other game), then at least when the game is televised they get to see it. I wonder how many people living in Sunderland will tune in to watch today? I'm guessing a heck of a lot, and they probably are happy it is at 12.30 and not 3pm.

It’s not often we agree but I’m 100% on board with every single word you’ve written. People don’t need to feel sorry for away fans as it’s balanced out on both sides for the away fixture. People can choose not to go, can choose not to spend the money etc.

Doesn’t matter what time kick off is it’s going to be slog for everyone involved.

 

[Tashyboy]

And even better, because of the 12.30 kick off, it'll be on the TV for anyone that doesn't want to make the journey

All the games are on tv it’s just finding them

 

[PaulMdj]

It’s not often we agree but I’m 100% on board with every single word you’ve written. People don’t need to feel sorry for away fans as it’s balanced out on both sides for the away fixture. People can choose not to go, can choose not to spend the money etc.

Doesn’t matter what time kick off is it’s going to be slog for everyone involved.

Mate, nobody is asking for people to feel sorry for the away fans, nowhere did I say my mate was moaning or having issues with going to B’mouth, he was really looking forward to it, others on here have made more of it.

The comments were mine and I have to be honest I totally disagree with the sentiment of it being a choice or it balances out.

Football is nothing without fans and it’s very easy to sit in an armchair and make judgements on these people who love their teams and are willing to put the time and effort in to following them, I firmly believe that when the PL sold its soul to the TV companies something should of been put into the contract about taking transport issues into consideration, not a lot to ask for, but we see it time and time again with some fixtures.

 

[Swango1980]

Mate, nobody is asking for people to feel sorry for the away fans, nowhere did I say my mate was moaning or having issues with going to B’mouth, he was really looking forward to it, others on here have made more of it.

The comments were mine and I have to be honest I totally disagree with the sentiment of it being a choice or it balances out.

Football is nothing without fans and it’s very easy to sit in an armchair and make judgements on these people who love their teams and are willing to put the time and effort in to following them, I firmly believe that when the PL sold its soul to the TV companies something should of been put into the contract about taking transport issues into consideration, not a lot to ask for, but we see it time and time again with some fixtures.

I wonder how many football fans would vote for all games to kick off at 3pm on a Saturday? Or even 8-9 games, with only 1-2 televised?

It would make all of our weekends more boring anyway. Wouldn't get my vote.

Of course, I completely understand match going fans will love their routine. Saturday is about going to the football. Home games especially, as travel time is the same each week, very much a routine. However, I bet many of them still love watching other football on a Friday, Sunday, Monday, etc. So, I don't know what the solution is. TV companies ARE catering for fans, it is why they make the money put of it.

If matches started to be played at 1am or lunch time mid week, to cater for US or Chinese markets, then I'd definitely oppose that. Match going fans destroyed, and national TV fans also ignored. But can't see that happening, as it would be like watching football during Covid (or Man City home games )

 

[Swango1980]

It’s not often we agree but I’m 100% on board with every single word you’ve written. People don’t need to feel sorry for away fans as it’s balanced out on both sides for the away fixture. People can choose not to go, can choose not to spend the money etc.

Doesn’t matter what time kick off is it’s going to be slog for everyone involved.

Sigh, and apart from one major disagreement (which I forget what it was about), I generally felt we agreed on a lot.

Mind you, when you agree, not often a reason to respond I suppose

 

[Billysboots]

Mind you, when you agree, not often a reason to respond I suppose

I agree.