Bill Shankly once said “some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it is much more serious than that”.
I feel some pity towards people who scoff at my passion for West Ham United Football Club. “It is only a bunch of men kicking a football around” was a favourite saying of my mum and I am sure you have all heard that saying from someone in your life? “It is only a game – what is all the fuss about” is another line spouted by many others who have not been “lucky” enough to join the masses that follow different football clubs from around the World.
Those reading this post will perhaps look back at the first reason they started to fall in love with West Ham United.The reasons may vary but the first real experiences of going to see your team play will almost certainly have got you hooked. It is no wonder we have clubs offering heavily reduced kids prices for certain matches. They realise that like drug addicts, the chances of being hooked for life are high, meaning additional revenue for them whether it be through match day tickets or merchandise.
West Ham fans are no different to others in that once you join the “tribe” that follows your team, they consider themselves part of that teams journey for life. I remember back when I followed the Hammers home and away and an uncle that used to come for lunch on Sundays would immediately know how West Ham had played the previous day – just by my disposition. The people that blog on this website are no different. Prior to our loss to Stoke everyone was beaming about what strength we had in depth, and although we all wanted a new striker the vibes were positive for a top ten finish. Since Saturday the bloggers response has plummeted to fear of relegation and doom and gloom all around. Us self confessed West Ham addicts, bask in the glory of winning and share the mourning of defeats.
Studies show that a football fans sex drive increases after wins and drops when their team loses. Losing can see fans eat more fatty food and drink more alcohol. Other research shows that the release of a football match can be good therapy. Being able to yell, sing and shout, fans can vent out a lot of built up emotions and stresses from the weekly life of work and any problems at home.
One thing is for sure. A person can change his clothes, his house, his girlfriend and even his sexual orientation. But changing their favourite football team is an unacceptable sin. Whatever happens in the next 35 EPL games we can rest assured, we will all be supporting West Ham United for life!