EPL Fans: Help me pick a team! [Archive]

Badandy

Jun 20, 2009, 06:36 PM

Hey EPL soccer (I'm American) fans, I have a quick question for you that I hope you can help answer.

My friend is a huge fan of the EPL, and since I'll be his roommate next year, I'm going to end up watching a lot of premier league games. Because of this, I need YOUR input to help me pick who I should cheer for to be my "home team" so to speak. I'll give you a few qualities of the teams I like in other sports and perhaps you could match up my personality or preferences for sports to a corresponding team in the premier league.

In general, I like teams that have high powered offenses. I don't inherently dislike defensively minded teams, but my desire for high-powered offenses most of the time precludes outstanding defensive prowess in the sports I follow. In the same vein, I like speed and fast players. They don have to be the best in the world, but I think fast athletes are very entertaining.

Also, this team doesn't have to be the best team ever (or the English equivalent of the Lakers or Celtics in the NBA) but it would be nice if your recommended team/teams had at least a moderate amount of success so I could enjoy some wins. I wouldn't mind if other people disliked or hated my team as the university I go to in the US is quite polarizing. So don't let a little arrogance dissuade you from recommending a team (if the team is arrogant or pretentious).

I hope this post makes sense, and I figured this might be a good place to ask this question because I know there are quite a few fans of teams in the EPL on this board.

Thanks a lot!

BTW: I typed this on my iPhone so please excuse the multitude of typos that are probably in this post.

steviem

Jun 21, 2009, 06:36 AM

Well, as a former fan of a team in the EPL, 2 relegations and 10 points deducted means we are at the bottom of League 1 before the season has even begun, I can tell you now that heartbreak isn't fun at all.

My suggestion to you would be to support the likes of Liverpool or Arsenal. You mention that the pace of some players makes the game more enjoyable, well with Theo Walcott, you will have bags of pace.

I prefer Liverpool out of the two teams, because my Grandad supports them and the football they play is pretty fast paced, lots of passing and movement, they have one of the narrowest pitches in the league and that itself promotes quick passes, little one-twos to get the ball closer to the goal and, of course, a clinical finisher in Fernando Torres. Plus they had their best season in the Premiership since its inception and are going to push for the title even more next season.

Saying all that, I'm more of a Rugby man because I became fed up with the play acting and disrespect given to the referee in Soccer.

Markleshark

Jun 21, 2009, 06:46 AM

For me, Wigan or Aston Villa.

Others will undoubtedly agree. Although, we did this a while back for another member (forgive me, their name I cannot remember) and they went with Tottenham.

Have fun watching the EPL.

DiamondMac

Jun 21, 2009, 04:04 PM

First off, word of advice....don't use the world "EPL" around people in England as they will laugh at you. It's termed the Premier League.

People across the States like to do this yet very rarely do they follow through with the team. If I had a dime for the number of times a friend of mine here "picked" a team yet fell off the bandwagon when the team lost, I could solve world hunger with the money I made.

Some people believe it is EVIL to pick one of the Big 4 (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, United) and for the most part, I agree as you are just picking them because they are winning. Now, can I really blame Americans for that though? No because those four teams are on TV the most and if an American is picking a team, they need someone whom they can see on TV. But, if you join an online forum of the Big 4 teams, expect a LOT of people to be suspicious of you and VERY rightly so.

- Arsenal seems to be a popular choice for foreigners but they are a bit too trendy for my taste.
- Chelsea is the most internationally accepting team, IMO, mostly because 95% of their fans started following the team when Roman bought the team in 2003 and made them a success with his billions. I will give older Chelsea fans credit as being extremely faithful and tough.
- Liverpool is an EXTREMELY sexy pick for international people but beware that I find them to be the most ANAL about their history and who their fans are. I don't say that in a bad way but for those just picking up and being a Liverpool fan, you will probably be engulfed with an attitude until they trust that you really are one.
- United has the biggest fan base in the World yet their own fans admit to having the most bandwagon fan base also. I just can't see how someone could really be a United fan through thick and thin if they just start rooting for them due to their titles that they are winning these days. As many others have said, picking United is like being a Yankees fan out of nowhere. I mean, really?

Good luck in picking a team but the whole point in all of this is to throw yourself completely in it. Not half-ass it and just leave whenever your team falters.

Jaffa Cake

Jun 21, 2009, 04:34 PM

You should support Hull City. :)

...it would be nice if your recommended team/teams had at least a moderate amount of success so I could enjoy some wins.

You shouldn't support Hull City. :o

The other member who asked this question, as Markleshark mentions, was Aloofman and you can have a read of his thread here. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=217703) As mentioned, Spurs was eventually his team of choice.

Personally, I don't think you can choose a team, your team chooses you. Watch a fair bit of football and I'm sure it won't be long before you start feeling an affection towards a certain side for one reason or another. Maybe it'll be a certain style of play that appeals, they have a player that you particularly admire, or maybe you'll just like their shirts.

Mind, who does your roommate support? You could always pick their arch rival. ;)

As part of your homework, I'll point you in the direction of our very own MacRumors Football Threads – the new 2009-10 edition (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=721974) and the two from last season – parts one (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=489263) and two. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=625612)

oscillatewildly

Jun 21, 2009, 05:37 PM

One from -

Arsenal
Aston Villa
Burnley
Fulham
Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United

go on then, include Hull City

If you don't have a connection to a team, watch and choose based on the style of play.

Cheers,
OW

Badandy

Jun 21, 2009, 09:01 PM

First off, word of advice....don't use the world "EPL" around people in England as they will laugh at you. It's termed the Premier League.

I should know this, I spent my last summer there! We'll chalk that error up to the fact that I was typing on my iPhone and wanted to shorten my post. :o

People across the States like to do this yet very rarely do they follow through with the team. If I had a dime for the number of times a friend of mine here "picked" a team yet fell off the bandwagon when the team lost, I could solve world hunger with the money I made.

You're definitely not going to make money off me :p I love sports and very much enjoy watching soccer. I just don't live in England so I don't have a geographical allegiance I can start from.

As many others have said, picking United is like being a Yankees fan out of nowhere. I mean, really?

Which is why I'm shying away from this. I mentioned the Yankees in my original post (I think), and I absolutely despise Yankees fans in America who aren't from New York.

You should support Hull City. :)

You shouldn't support Hull City. :o

Ha!

The other member who asked this question, as Markleshark mentions, was Aloofman and you can have a read of his thread here. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=217703) As mentioned, Spurs was eventually his team of choice.

This is interesting because I asked another friend who follows the premier league, and he recommended the same team based on my criteria and personality. I didn't want to bring it up because I didn't want to impact your answers in any way but I'll definitely have to look more into the Spurs.

Personally, I don't think you can choose a team, your team chooses you. Watch a fair bit of football and I'm sure it won't be long before you start feeling an affection towards a certain side for one reason or another. Maybe it'll be a certain style of play that appeals, they have a player that you particularly admire, or maybe you'll just like their shirts.

I've seen your at-length discussions about new jersey designs in those threads you recommended. I'll look back at them.

Mind, who does your roommate support? You could always pick their arch rival. ;)

Portsmouth...no idea why.

As part of your homework, I'll point you in the direction of our very own MacRumors Football Threads – the new 2009-10 edition (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=721974) and the two from last season – parts one (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=489263) and two. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=625612)

Thanks a lot, I have some reading (and watching) to do!

Badandy

Jun 22, 2009, 11:33 AM

theITGuy

Jun 22, 2009, 12:00 PM

Although I like ManU...Aston Villa and Arsenal play super exciting flavor of footie...

Cheers.

-J.-

DiamondMac

Jun 22, 2009, 06:53 PM

I know, I know, two posts in a row.

I read the whole thread started by aloofman and done a bit of research, and Spurs are at the lead right now for me. While I try not to base allegience on particular players, I really end up doing just that. In the NBA, I love players who are kind of like me: a bit short, fast, and exciting. I was watching some clips of Aaron Lennon and he is my type of player. He's the football version of Allen Iverson. If you haven't seen Allen Iverson, search him on youtube. Small, super fast, creative, exciting.

Thanks for everyone's help.

I don't think there is anything wrong with picking a team off of a player.

If you head over to any major EPL forum you will see people using that as THE REASON they picked a team years ago.

It happens

Just try and stick with the team :cool:

XIII

Jun 22, 2009, 07:20 PM

Just watch games. As many as you can, with various different teams. Support the one you like the most, with the fewest twats in it (so not Chelsea).

gauchogolfer

Jun 22, 2009, 07:24 PM

Just watch games. As many as you can, with various different teams. Support the one you like the most, with the fewest twats in it (so not Chelsea).

Good call.

I started supporting Arsenal when I lived in France, since Henry was there at the time. When he left for Barcelona I stayed with the Gunners, since I like their style of football, and for some odd reason can find a connection with them.

XIII

Jun 22, 2009, 07:29 PM

Good call.

I started supporting Arsenal when I lived in France, since Henry was there at the time. When he left for Barcelona I stayed with the Gunners, since I like their style of football, and for some odd reason can find a connection with them.

I think, if you have no family or local or other kind of connection, then something like this is the way to pick a team.

NathanCH

Jun 22, 2009, 08:02 PM

YNWA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nfFi-_Hb2A

If you want a team with passion, skill, and history make anfield your home.

DiamondMac

Jun 22, 2009, 09:01 PM

YNWA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nfFi-_Hb2A

If you want a team with passion, skill, and history make anfield your home.

Out of all the teams, I find Liverpool to be the team someone could LEAST connect with if they are a Yank who has never been to Anfield/Liverpool.

Not because Liverpool has anything wrong with them (Love the colors, history, and Torres) but Liverpool really is the team that IMO (and again, just my view) has such a staunch fan base that demands their own fans know the history inside & out. In addition, Liverpool has the Hillsborough Disaster which to them is a HUGE, HUGE event in their history and I find it hard that an American could really get an understanding for it just by reading about it. Add in their dislike for their American Owners and it may not be easy for someone to just pick up one day and claim to be an American Liverpool fan.

I don't know, Liverpool really comes off to me as a powerhouse team with a very demanding fan base that can come off as extremely angry, passionate, and annoying to those who are NOT Liverpool fans. But I don't mean that in a negative way towards them as that anger and passion is what makes them who they are.

All in all, it just seems like Liverpool (moreso than others) is the type of team you have to actually be there with to really understand. You have to be at Anfield to get "it" which makes their fans go nuts.

Someone may ask how the hell I could form such an opinion? Let's just say I spent a tad time over there :o

Silencio

Jun 22, 2009, 09:42 PM

DiamondMac, your observations about Liverpool very closely resemble my own. Thanks for saving me a bunch of typing!

I think if I were new to the Premiership and didn't have any other extenuating ties to a city or club, I'd probably choose Aston Villa or Arsenal.

My club, Manchester United, chose me back in the late 80s for several reasons:

1. Back in the 80s, their most well-known player was Bryan Robson. That's my surname, too (no relation AFAIK), and there are not a whole lot of famous Robsons strewn about the pages of history.

2. An affinity for the city of Manchester due to the music scene of the late 70s/early 80s: Factory Records, Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, &c. &c. Many of them were United fans, though a few cheeky buggers like NO/JD manager Rob Gretton were City fans...

NathanCH

Jun 22, 2009, 10:33 PM

Out of all the teams, I find Liverpool to be the team someone could LEAST connect with if they are a Yank who has never been to Anfield/Liverpool.

Not because Liverpool has anything wrong with them (Love the colors, history, and Torres) but Liverpool really is the team that IMO (and again, just my view) has such a staunch fan base that demands their own fans know the history inside & out. In addition, Liverpool has the Hillsborough Disaster which to them is a HUGE, HUGE event in their history and I find it hard that an American could really get an understanding for it just by reading about it. Add in their dislike for their American Owners and it may not be easy for someone to just pick up one day and claim to be an American Liverpool fan.

I don't know, Liverpool really comes off to me as a powerhouse team with a very demanding fan base that can come off as extremely angry, passionate, and annoying to those who are NOT Liverpool fans. But I don't mean that in a negative way towards them as that anger and passion is what makes them who they are.

All in all, it just seems like Liverpool (moreso than others) is the type of team you have to actually be there with to really understand. You have to be at Anfield to get "it" which makes their fans go nuts.

Someone may ask how the hell I could form such an opinion? Let's just say I spent a tad time over there :o

Well I think it can matter, but doesn't have to. I live in Canada and been following liverpool for only about 5 years now and I love them. Obviously I can't feel connected to them like someone who lives in Liverpool, but that's the same with every club on earth.

But you're right that the fan base is very demanding, but at the same time, does it matter to an American? I don't see how watching it from you couch makes any difference. On the other hand, if he were to move to Liverpool and try to fit in with them it would be a whole different story.

The history of Liverpool was what appealed to me in the first place. I leant about Hillsborough and the kop and couldn't believe the passion a team could have. It's such a clash with American culture - but I think thats why football appeals to me in a whole, not just Liverpool. In America sports need to be violent to be interesting. When I talk to my friends they say soccer isn't violent enough as if the amount of violence is a direct indicator of how interesting it is. Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent here lol

As for Man UTD, you probably wouldn't want to follow them right now OP. You'll look like a bandwagon jumper and furthermore you wont get any gratification when they win a trophy within the next 2 or 3 seasons because they've won it twice in a row. It gets boring after awhile when a team wins everything over and over.

oscillatewildly

Jun 23, 2009, 04:24 AM

Silencio,

What about Bryan Stanley Robson aka Pop Robson?

Johnny Marr - talk that he had trials with Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.

Cheers,
OW

Kebabselector

Jun 23, 2009, 05:13 AM

Well if you want to see goals then follow Birmingham City (http://www.bcfc.com) (although the goals will probably be against).

We're owned by 3 men who between them own porn channels, porn mags, a 'newspaper' and a big chain of sex shops.

Silencio

Jun 23, 2009, 02:01 PM

What about Bryan Stanley Robson aka Pop Robson?

Or Sir Bobby Robson.

DiamondMac

Jun 23, 2009, 03:33 PM

Well I think it can matter, but doesn't have to. I live in Canada and been following liverpool for only about 5 years now and I love them. Obviously I can't feel connected to them like someone who lives in Liverpool, but that's the same with every club on earth.

But you're right that the fan base is very demanding, but at the same time, does it matter to an American? I don't see how watching it from you couch makes any difference. On the other hand, if he were to move to Liverpool and try to fit in with them it would be a whole different story.

The history of Liverpool was what appealed to me in the first place. I leant about Hillsborough and the kop and couldn't believe the passion a team could have. It's such a clash with American culture - but I think thats why football appeals to me in a whole, not just Liverpool. In America sports need to be violent to be interesting. When I talk to my friends they say soccer isn't violent enough as if the amount of violence is a direct indicator of how interesting it is. Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent here lol

As for Man UTD, you probably wouldn't want to follow them right now OP. You'll look like a bandwagon jumper and furthermore you wont get any gratification when they win a trophy within the next 2 or 3 seasons because they've won it twice in a row. It gets boring after awhile when a team wins everything over and over.

I didn't mean to imply that you "100%" must be from Liverpool or go to games to be a fan. I just think the high, high majority of foreign fans who pick Liverpool that have no connection to or have never been to Liverpool, well...they just don't really get "it" which makes Liverpool what it really is. Until you are sitting in Anfield or unless you are around those who went through the Hills disaster, I just don't get how someone could really feel both events. Just reading about it doesn't seem to actually connect with it like one should.

If you can do it, more power to you. I am not trying to say who can or can't be a fan. I just wanted the person to know that picking Liverpool may mean a little bit more of a catch-up history/facts wise then another team if they plan on being a part of an online message board.

I do also want to stick up for United a bit. United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal all have extremely high bandwagon fans, imo so I am not sure I would be casting TOO MANY stones. United, I agree, has the most world-wide but we all know Chelsea has many, Arsenal has many, and I think Liverpool is catching up lately with their colors, Torres, and fan-base being so well-known for excitement.

When it comes to any of the Big 4 teams, just jumping on top of them is well known throughout the world, imo

oscillatewildly

Jun 23, 2009, 04:49 PM

Silencio - Or Sir Bobby Robson.

See, plenty! :)

Nairmb

Jun 24, 2009, 11:07 PM

Don't support any club if you have to come on a internet forum about macs to choose.

DiamondMac

Jul 15, 2009, 01:34 AM

What team did you choose

If you aren't sure, just wait....no need to make a choice if you aren't sure

Badandy

Jul 15, 2009, 11:03 AM

What team did you choose

If you aren't sure, just wait....no need to make a choice if you aren't sure

Tentatively settled on Spurs until the season starts and I can see them more. I've watched lots of Youtube videos, read up on them, and am trying to learn as much as I can. I've been keeping up with some offseason moves and they really look like a perfect team for me. I guess we'll see, but that's definitely where I'm leaning now. I look forward to participating in the MR Football thread we have, but I need to find a place to watch the matches. Any streaming sites?

nw43

Jul 15, 2009, 02:55 PM

Don't bother with all that Premier League nonsense - the Blue Square Premier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Square_Premier) is where it's at! You should support my team, Oxford United!! (http://www.oufc.co.uk)

Or, maybe not...

Jaffa Cake

Jul 15, 2009, 02:55 PM

On the plus side Badandy, you've got Spurs winning the FA Cup to look forward to in 2011. :)

I look forward to participating in the MR Football thread we have...You can also participate in the MacRumors Fantasy Football League (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=742225). ;)

SLC Flyfishing

Jul 15, 2009, 05:40 PM

Just tell your roommate that the Premiere League is overrated and that you'll be following Serie A this year.

I'm a big fan of the Portuguese League myself (Benfica principally) but I lived there for a time. Because of my enjoyment of Portuguese football, I'm more of a Chelsea fan if I had to pick a Premiere League team (they've got some good portuguese players, and their manager just finished managing a very successful Portuguese national team.)

SLC

steviem

Jul 15, 2009, 05:45 PM

Eugh, Serie A - full of overly slow paced football, the reason David Beckham was able to play for AC. The reason Paolo Maldini was able to play for so long. Full of corruption. Used to be good to watch on channel 4 whilst Gazza was playing for Lazio though.

Also Big Phil was sacked by Chelsea, they now have Carlo Anchelotti in charge.

SactoGuy18

Jul 15, 2009, 11:39 PM

I'd almost support Everton FC, if only because during the 1980's it was truly an "up and coming" team that could have been internationally famous had the Heysel tragedy never happened. But as such, just when Everton got good the ban on English clubs from playing outside England denied this team a chance a real glory.

CHAOS STEP

Jul 16, 2009, 03:55 PM

Tentatively settled on Spurs

Nooooo, the only thing Spurs can guarantee is despair.

You've got to really hate yourself to be Tottingham fan.

Jaffa Cake

Jul 16, 2009, 03:59 PM

Nooooo, the only thing Spurs can guarantee is despair.Ah, but a pervading sense of despair is one of the key pleasures of being a football fan. :)

CHAOS STEP

Jul 16, 2009, 04:03 PM

Ah, but a pervading sense of despair is one of the key pleasures of being a football fan. :)

Says the proud (but emotionally scarred) Hull Fan. ;)

Jaffa Cake

Jul 16, 2009, 04:10 PM

Says the proud (but emotionally scarred) Hull [sic] Fan. ;)You can't enjoy the successes if you haven't experienced the lows. ;)

In my time supporting City we've had some proper woes – including flirting with relegation from the League and facing the prospect of being put out of existence altogether. It makes you savour the events of recent years all the more.

As strange as it may sound, I feel a little sorry for younger fans of the big, successful clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea – all they've known is success, to them a crisis is finishing second in the league. Where's the excitement in that?

In short, we're masochistic buggers. :p

pb1300

Jul 16, 2009, 05:11 PM

When I was eight, my mom and I met this woman and her daughter at a hotel here, they were on vacation from England. They were HUGE United fans, and they really got me into football, and that is the reason why I am a United fan.

CHAOS STEP

Jul 16, 2009, 06:16 PM

You can't enjoy the successes if you haven't experienced the lows. ;)

In my time supporting City we've had some proper woes – including flirting with relegation from the League and facing the prospect of being put out of existence altogether. It makes you savour the events of recent years all the more.

As strange as it may sound, I feel a little sorry for younger fans of the big, successful clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea – all they've known is success, to them a crisis is finishing second in the league. Where's the excitement in that?

In short, we're masochistic buggers. :p

My local team is the mighty Gillingham FC. I had a sad and troubled youth dressed in blue. :(

True what you say though, if you support united winning the Premiership is like a natural thing, which not only devalues the experience but also makes for boring watching for general Premier League fans.

dmr727

Jul 16, 2009, 06:50 PM

Badandy, if I see even a small drop in USC smack out of you this season because you're too busy watching f'ing soccer, I'm gonna drive up the 5, 91 and 110 and kick your ass.

:p:p

Jaffa Cake

Jul 16, 2009, 06:52 PM

They were HUGE United fans, and they really got me into football, and that is the reason why I am a United fan.Southend? Peterborough? Oxford?

North Ferriby? I'm off to see them on Saturday. :)

Badandy

Jul 16, 2009, 07:00 PM

Badandy, if I see even a small drop in USC smack out of you this season because you're too busy watching f'ing soccer, I'm gonna drive up the 5, 91 and 110 and kick your ass.

:p:p

Oh don't worry, I'll still be spewing the same amount of USC fandom. I just haven't gotten warmed up yet. Give me a couple of weeks. :p

dmr727

Jul 16, 2009, 07:08 PM

Oh don't worry, I'll still be spewing the same amount of USC fandom. I just haven't gotten warmed up yet. Give me a couple of weeks. :p

You're right - it's still a ways off. I just wanted to be sure. :)

DiamondMac

Jul 16, 2009, 09:37 PM

What Jaffa said really is so true in today's world of football. Teams fanbases are exploding out in numbers and with that comes new fans who know nothing other than the team being a Top 4 team or in the case of some new teams....a team with LOTS AND LOTS of money. I see them wanting to jump off bridges at the slightest of negativity and I wonder how long they exactly have been fans of the team.

I had a friend of mine who never played soccer or even watched it until he went to Europe in 2006 for work where he was stationed for several months. He got HOOKED with the World Cup and told asked me which team I thought he should support (since I have spent much time in the area) and I told him what I have told some on here (and others have said).....let the team pick you

Too many Yanks pick up on the Top 4 and claim to be a big fans yet they really don't get what it means to be a part of the excitement, imo. That is why it makes it so easy to jump on and off the bandwagon AND why so many Americans try to become fans of a team online and get frustrated dealing with the other fans from England who are skeptical of whether they are a "real" fan or not....now, i can't tell you what a real fan is but I would assume they just mean someone who has followed the team for years, knows history, and has visited the Stadiums.