With “fans outside Merseyside” being a common insult to the reds, why are the scouser Everton fans thoughts on international Everton fans?

[CRIMHEAD]

Get him to convince you to come see a college football game in America and you'll both enjoy it more

They are indeed fun. Tailgating is a lovely thing.

 

[CRIMHEAD]

I totally get that. Ultimately, I support Everton because my dad told me that I did, and I imagine I'd do the same with my own kids.

On the other hand, I have friends that are bang into American sports, and support their NFL teams as rabidly as they do Everton, but I just can't help but think it's weird how they've contrived a connection out of thin air.

It’s odd speaking as an American and wouldn’t been more difficult years ago. Growing up in Pittsburgh for example, we had season tickets for the Steelers - it’s like a 20 year waiting list at this point - and it’s a religion. Training camp is front page news.

But there was no local soccer team. Hell, there wasn’t even a domestic league when I grew up. It wasn’t on TV, it was the World Cup and qualifiers. You learned about clubs via players in our national team. The young kids don’t know Joe Max Moore, Brian McBride, even Preki - who was my favorite player.

However, if you like sports and history, I’m not sure how you couldn’t walk into Goodson and not immediately be an Everton fan. That place is incredible. The hilarious difference I had during my visit many years ago to Liverpool including both Goodison and Anfield just hooked me in.

 

[Gardocki]

I've said this several times and don't want to tire it out, but I think there are some consistencies for all non-Scouse/non-family Blues:

a) every club has a "brand" (as much as people hate talking about this, its true)
b) the Everton brand is very community oriented, and although that's a different experience for non-local Blues, that still means a lot to most of us

(furthermore, I think EITC will be a big part of the club's brand expansion moving forward, although I get more pushback on that)

The Everton brand is only community oriented because we don’t win things lol

 

[Hibbo]

International fans are the worst.

 

[The Reverand]

Most important part of our club is the direct local community. It’s what it can offer to those around the area first and foremost. It’s great people from outside the area care about the club and want to support it but it should always be for those who need it in the local community.

Are you joking? Everton exist to win football matches and trophies not care in the community! This sort of mentality has contributed to our fans accepting 2nd best.
If you want to help the community go and volunteer!

 

[TyphooToffee]

I think our relative lack of success also plays a big part in how fans from outside of Merseyside are viewed. I’m 30 and in my lifetime, 1995 was the only year we’ve won anything. I’m born and raised London, but my dad was from merseyside so I’ve been a lifelong blue and have my season ticket and go to most aways, credits permitting.

Whether talking to Scouse Evertonians or other football fans generally the reaction when I say I’m an Evertonian has always been a mixture of shock, admiration and sometimes pity. I expect it’s the same for international fans. Supporting Everton is a labour or love as we have been starved of success and patronised by the media and other fans. Supporting the RS is just a form of glory supporting (without the league title ) or buying into their sad little cult.

I'm also born and raised in London, but with no Merseyside family connections. However, as I became an Evertonian in 1963, I have seen plenty of success (as well as downright dross) and welcome overseas fans. Let's face it, any new fans picked up in the last few years can hardly be called glory hunters!

 

[Tigger]

This thread was clearly bait, can't believe it's reached 15 pages.

 

[AUXLEN]

I've nothing against but it always intrigues me what makes a person who has a team local to them but chooses another team...even when there is no family connection. having said that I follow Lazio as that was the team in focus (because of Gazza) when Channel 4 started showing live Sunday matches and I always enjoy a game more when I'm rooting for someone. that said I can't imagine many Lazio fans losing sleep over a scouser supporting their team.

 

[phil_t98]

we need more international fans to be honest, they spend money when they come over.locals like me don't spend money going to the game. have my season ticket and I don't really buy anything at the game. when "they" come over they buy scarfs and shirts which increases revenue. now I don't want the heart ripped out of our club but Man Utd only got super wealthy by appealing to all four corners of the globe and selling merchandise everywhere

 

[goodisonopheliac]

Re supporting a local team, what happens when you move house? I was born in South London, spent my childhood in Brighton, my teenage years in Chester, and now I live in Manchester. Who do I support according to the 'you have to support your local team' rule? Millwall, BHA, Chester City or Man United (as they're only a few tram stops away)?

 

[anton66]

Just bear a thought for the out of town non Scouse Evertonians who followed us in the 70’s.
Goodison was a very scary place for any away supporters and the lids of the day would search out any outsiders. Got the time on you lad was asked to many, and a kicking was usually the outcome if answered in the wrong accent. Your only protection would be a Everton scarf or hat.

 

[Lord Buckethead]

I have no problems at all with International fans as long as they can read the song words off their iPads and shoddily film the game at the same time.

 

[MarkK1988]

ill be honest i dont really get what they get out of it, (barring exiled or ones whos dads moved away and supported us)

i dont really get how people can wake up one morning and decide they support a team miles away and feel the same connection of people who have supported them through generations personally. id rather just support my local team

 

[evertonandchelmsford]

I don't think I appreciated or realised how big the premier league was globally until I went on holiday to Thailand 3 years ago. It's everywhere you can't get away from it. All the locals wear the various shirts of the teams and it's constantly on the tv and part of conversation even when there are no live games on. When we're watching in Goodison just 38,000 people in the ground is just the tip of the iceberg for how many are actually watching it so can understand the appeal.

You get some international fans who come over because they've followed a team and are there for the main purpose of going to the match or you get the ground hoppers that'll come over for a long weekend etc and go to 3/4 different games & stadium tours etc. Then when they travel home they'll be wearing a United shirt, City tracky bottoms, a Liverpool scarf and a Chelsea bag!

 

[Westend Blue]

Love the colour blue so Chelsea where my original team. Timmy Cahills heroics at the 2006 WC made me notice Everton and from there is was like I was chosen