Whether it’s a message board, a radio show or a YouTube channel, there are five types of football fan contributors to be on the lookout for:
The bluffing casual
This type of fan will lay down their hard truths, but if asked, “Did you go to the game?” they will have to admit they didn’t. Generally base their views on a few videos.
The angry one
Like a certain green superhero, you wouldn’t like this fan when they’re angry. The problem is they’re always angry. Usually, the ones most likely to get cut off or banned due to their excessive “passion”.
The regular
In much the same way as bars and pubs can have their ‘characters’, this type of fan has their metaphorical custom tankard and knows all the tricks to the fruit machine.
This fan feels its their civic duty to come in and comment on the game, regardless of whether or not they have an opinion or anything interesting to say.
The magic solution
The magic solution fan is fuelled by pure common sense.
It is this mystic being who has seen across past, present and future and has always found the solutions that players, managers and board members should follow.
These can include such insightful statements as “play two upfront”, “spend some money” or “sack the board.”
All of these ideas are perfectly practical and workable.
The aspiring professional
It should be said I am to an extent in this category so this is going to be a bit meta in terms of blurring the lines between what is a professional and what is a fan contributor.
These are the ones who want to see themselves as the stars and this can be reflected in their contributions, sometimes inviting ridicule (deserved or otherwise).
You sometimes see this with people who get interviewed on the radio before or after the game and fancy themselves as a pundit. They may even be a bit ‘matey’ with the person interviewing.
This can go one of two ways – you either have your moments and live off them or you really do take that passion and make it happen.
It is also fair to say that there are plenty of pundits who at heart are still fans and that passion is shown in the work that they do.
Also, this is a shoutout to fans in general. Joking aside, you do make this fun!
