We're A Strange Bunch Aren't We?


Watching the new footie season kick-off this weekend I couldn't help thinking what a strange tribe us supporters are. At the Stadium of Light (no doubt Shy was in attendance), Stamford Bridge, Molinuex and Old Trafford - to take just the live games on Sky - were thousands of men, women and children wearing replica shirts.

Viewed in isolation it's not an unusual sight is it but in a wider cultural context it made me smile. I mean can you imagine turning up at your local multiplex to watch Casino Royale wearing a tuxedo with a pistol in an underarm holster or going to watch a Grand Prix wearing a crash helmet? I know it's not just football fans who like to 'dress-up', people wear t-shirts and jeans to pop/rock concerts and part of the reason is that football shirts had a brief period a few years ago where they were actually considered fashion items.

A couple of Christmasses ago the parents of one of our neighbours asked their son Gary what he'd like for his main present. Being a local lad Gary chose a replica Bournemouth shirt, well come Christmas morning and he unwrapped his present to find not only a shirt but shorts, socks and shinpads - Gary is 45 and has never played football!