Even the many many games I attend alone, I enjoy just as much as ever. For Scotland at home....securing a ticket that morning, skipping off the DART at Grand Canal and hot-footing it down the road to go and have a couple of pints (where even alone you'll probably get into a conversation with someone) to calm the nerves. I still get the buzz.Originally Posted by Crosby87
The old man is in his 60s and he's the same, though he only goes to GAA and LOI now.
Also, I really think that if you want to truly assess the performance of a team you need to be there, things can look very different on the telly. And I find that enjoyable, though I don't think it makes me an expert or anything. (Alright, I do, but aren't we all experts.)
When the Liverpool fans started booing Raheem Sterling in the game v England earlier this year that was pretty much the last straw for me. I've been to over a hundred Ireland games over many, many years, but I'm much less inclined to go now. I was increasingly aware that most people at ROI games were Premiership barstoolers, event junkies, and people in GAA jerseys singing 'The Fields of Athenry'. There's also a small but distasteful sectarian element amongst Irish fans - they're very prominent on the 'eligibility rules' forum here where their hatred of the Northern Ireland team is strongly in evidence.
The fearful, cautious football played under Trappatoni and O'Neill didn't help matters; but I've felt increasingly alienated from the national side over recent years. (And the hugely irritating chap who does the announcements at The Aviva is another reason not to go).
he's gone now. you can come back
I think it could serve to augment any sense of "I couldn't be bothered with it all" amongst fairly loose or casual attendees. Just an inkling; I wouldn't know for sure. Maybe we need a national survey!
Hmm, there is a sectarian element amongst Irish fans - it's unfortunate and should be challenged - but can you highlight some examples of sectarianism on that thread in particular seeing as you've pinpointed it and pointed the finger at those who post prominently in it? I don't think sectarianism is a problem on this forum, but feel free to correct me.
I don't think the public's perception of the FAI, and the people who run it, is the main reason for not attending a game, but it doesn't help. If it was Germany/Spain/Brazil/etc then people will attend, no matter who's in charge.
If it's Georgia/San Marino/Macedonia, then it's another reason not to go.
Going to New Lansdowne is one of the most tedious experiences in modern football, once the game starts...
Despite being included in one of the Premium Level photo montages.
Rather have the old ground but no Premium Level or photos...
It said the same about you, to be fair.
Or, in other words, never mind the quality, feel the width.
Are the female fans complaining about the width?
No Somos muchos pero estamos locos.
I have to say I think my season ticket is superb value. My ticket for the whole year cost me less than a pair of tickets for the Hurling on Sunday, and i am in a far better seat.
12003007_10204561590872066_4927643509949322215_n.jpg
I do get annoyed about a few things. The DJ being top of my list of gripes. It can have a place if there is a lot of empty seats as a bit of music can help get a bit of atmosphere going, but when the ground is getting towards sold out i feel it really does prevent the crowd from getting going if that natural build of noise is being drowned out by U2 or some other crap.
The players are ref were clearly being prevented from starting the second half against Georgia because he wouldn't turn it off.
Last edited by backstothewall; 09/09/2015 at 7:34 PM.
Bring Back Belfast Celtic F.C.
That one section middle and all the way to the right is totes empty. I could have sat there by myself! This would have taken away several issues with seeing games in person. Charlie Sheen once bought all the tickets to the upperdeck of an Angels baseball game to get a home run ball, but therr were no Home runs that day, natch.
PS I would recognize the top of that head in front of you anywhere.
No Somos muchos pero estamos locos.
Another gripe is the need for a minutes applause before every game. It seems a decision has been taken that everybody who ever served tea and coffee at Waterford United board meetings gets a minutes applause when they pass on. I feel it cheapens it a bit when one comes round for someone the people in the ground might actually have heard of is being remembered.
Bring Back Belfast Celtic F.C.
It is an interesting discussion, I don't like it when we are over run in midfield at all.
There are many aspects to it, but when you are defending it really does help to have a strong midfield.
And indeed overall, midfield is where the battle for possession takes place, when you lose that battle
you have your work cut out.
And of course with out a midfield the only way you can really score goals is from crosses.
So it is kind of self fulfilling really, if you play with two wingers your goal will come form crosses
most of the time, but are we not flexible enough to do a bit of both?
Keep the opposition guessing, when you are predictable you are going to have a hard time
getting results.
Long fits the diamond better than Keane as he will naturally drift into wide areas, whereas Robbie doesn't have that movement anymore.
If we did go to wingers I'd bring Robbie back tbh. If we are getting crosses into the box for Walters, he is probably still our best option for getting a scrappy goal from a knockdown.
Though I'd stick with the diamond or a 4-2-3-1 vs Germany, depending on exactly who is available. I'd maybe try Wilson to take Whelan's place though
Bring Back Belfast Celtic F.C.
Well if Kerr is balking at the price on what I assume is an income far higher than most you can see why people of more
modest means stay at home.
60 is ridiculous so maybe the 10 is correct?
It is mainly the celebrities who go these days, David Beckham, Beyonce etc... it's a photo opportunity for them
to help sell more of their third rate perfume and aftershaves etc at ridiculous prices.
Mugs basically.
You would not see Robbie Keane stooping to such depths!!!
Last edited by tricky_colour; 09/09/2015 at 9:55 PM.
Mind you less scrupulous individuals have cashed in
Does anyone think Robbie has the ability and discipline to play the Hoolahan role? He's still a smart, technically gifted player and I think there's a role for him, I just don't think it's up top, solo. I've been thinking about this a lot since the Georgia game. It's like we haven't adjusted to the Robbie we have but then I also question if he could adjust to that role.
I like high energy football. A little bit rock and roll. Many finishes instead of waiting for the perfect one.
Can't teach an old dog new tricks as Nigel is fond of saying.
No Somos muchos pero estamos locos.
I advocated for Robbie in that role a couple of years ago but I'd say the tank is probably too low now. Hoolahan tracks all the way back to his own box when needed, or in pursuit of the ball, which Robbie wouldn't have the engine to do.
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