The Best Of English Supporters - And It Will Not Make Any Headlines!

English supporters do not always get shown in the best of lights from the media and certainly the reputation of the hooligan aspect of the 1980's seems only to ever be just bubbling under the surface.



Theo Walcott signaling the ‘2-0' score line to the opposing Tottenham fans has been the subject of much scrutiny. The reaction of the fans for a small number to throw coins right back at him and calls for sanctions on Walcott followed. Surely though, that is pandering to the small element of loose cannons in the crowd. I have been to many games and I have chanted taunts to players and opposing fans. The opposing fans have chanted back and if my side were to loose then there would be a few hand gestures as both sets of fans left the stadium. For me, and the majority of the people around me, it was just considered banter and remained at that.

It is the minority who act out and it is they who get the headlines. This weekend the headline was of that Theo incident but what was lost was actually a positive feel good headline, and that is what I want to talk about.      

On Saturday the game on the South Coast of England between Bournemouth and Burton Albion was called off at the last minute. All the Burton fans had already traveled the 150 miles to get to the ground only to be told to turn around and go back home again. The game was rescheduled for January 14th but, of course, with an evening midweek kick off travel was going to be tough.

The side in the fourth tier of English football and their hosts share some history though. April 24th 2010 Bournemouth were away to Burton when the visiting side secured promotion in a 2-0 win. The way the fans were treated by the home fans, stewards, bars and the town of Burton had obviously left a mark with a core of supporters putting out a rallying call to help out their friends in Burton.

The idea, spearheaded by David Whitehead, was to raise some money in order to provide a coach to and from the venue for the game. That way they could all come down together, at no cost to them and participate in the game. Initially wanting to raise $1,300 for one coach, the current total stands at almost quadruple that and still raising, $4,445. You can keep track of the supporters story which will not make headlines by visiting http://www.gofundme.com/burtoncoach

Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979