NewsBiscuit

Football clubs are entering the final few hours of wheeling and dealing to tempt new supporters to their team before the kick-off of the new season. There is desperate activity to obtain the services of a huge number of free agents and those looking for a fresh challenge at this stage of their armchair careers.

With new fans being unveiled to the press every day, some clubs feel that they’re being left behind, citing unfair advantages for the bigger clubs. Barry Fry, Director of Football at League two Peterborough United, lamented the lack of opportunities his club has to attract quality supporters. ‘Some fans cite the glamour of European football and wanting to challenge themselves on a bigger stage. We can’t compete financially either, some clubs are asking fifty to sixty quid a ticket, we just can’t afford to charge those prices. We’re capped at a tenner, which includes a programme and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Fry also revealed that they suffered a late set back as one of the two Chinese nationals he had signed, after they were let go by Stoke, has had problems securing a work visa. ‘Bloody typical, we’ve just put his name on a season ticket and he gets deported.’

Bradley Donovan, in his second season as a Manchester United fan gave an insight into the pressure on football followers at this time of year. ‘It’s a big decision as the choice I make now affects the next ten months of my life. I’ve got to consider who my new boss supports, whether my kids will get bullied at school and what the office banter will be like if my team loses. Don’t get me wrong, I’m United through and through, but well, Liverpool’s European record is better and their new kit’s really quite nice.’

Bradley admitted that he was now listening to offers, saying; ‘Opportunities to get in to Old Trafford are limited and at this stage of my career I need regular football. With a new Liverpool stadium coming along in three years I could get on the waiting list for a season ticket nice and early.’

A premier league spokesman confirmed that fans had until noon on Saturday to make their choices, after which time the so-called “turncoat amnesty” would expire and supporters would once again be expected to back their teams to the hilt in office arguments and pub brawls. The governing body also warned fans against the unsavoury practice of supporters’ “tattoo contracts” where the clubs are accused of actively encouraging fans to get elaborate tattoos declaring their support for the club, fully aware that fans will find it difficult to move on elsewhere later in their careers.

Davster

Posted: Aug 11th, 2007 by robd