Fan's View FAN’S VIEW: 24/25 – No.19 MIDDLESBROUGH AT HOME
- Thread starter Paul B
- Start date
Level: Callum O'Dowda
Manorlounger
Level: Phil Whitehead
(238 Apps)
Yes, it was a penalty. Off side? debatable. Left early? Yes, we did, actually not long after they had scored number 6. We felt that the entertainment was over. Our choice and yes, it did make getting out of the carpark less frustrating than normal.
We can accept losing, once in a while but, that margin was embarrassing and served to highlight the disparity between those teams that have ownership of their own ground, the numbers they can attract and the finance that both factors bring into play and, teams like Oxford who, despite having achieved inclusion on merit, have to suffer under the disproportionate application of finance that is the EFL and Premiership.
We can accept losing, once in a while but, that margin was embarrassing and served to highlight the disparity between those teams that have ownership of their own ground, the numbers they can attract and the finance that both factors bring into play and, teams like Oxford who, despite having achieved inclusion on merit, have to suffer under the disproportionate application of finance that is the EFL and Premiership.
werthersoriginal
Level: James Constable
(280 Apps, 106 Gls)
Thing is, it’s not the cinema, it’s not just for ‘entertainment’, you’re meant to be a supporter, and the protagonists can see if you’ve sloped off. Fair enough that people have stuff going on and car issues etc, and letting in six is a special case, but I bet fans in hotbeds like Newcastle and Sunderland don’t all leave if they’re losing. I can walk home and i always want to see what happens, I’m not claiming any personal moral superiority.
Newcastle had a tourist area because they couldn't sell all their tickets when they were not doing well pre Saudis. Not seen a ground that hasn't got loads of empty seats when the home side are being hammered with ten minutes to go on games I watch on TV either, where ever that is.
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TailsWeWin
Level: Dave Roberts
(176 Apps, 8 Gls)
No, you’re not a pessimist.
Good sense is enough to see that we are clearly some way below most Championship teams in finance and quality of personnel. I cannot understand some of those pre-match predictions (“Yeah: Sparky to get a couple, Cam and Ruben. Easy win.”) Nice to have some glass-half-fullers but those matchday thread predictions continue to amaze me.
As many have pointed out, the points will need to come from the “weaker” teams, but let’s not forget: we are one of them.
As for Tuesday, I’ll be there again of course
But I’m not looking forward to the long drive home.
Good sense is enough to see that we are clearly some way below most Championship teams in finance and quality of personnel. I cannot understand some of those pre-match predictions (“Yeah: Sparky to get a couple, Cam and Ruben. Easy win.”) Nice to have some glass-half-fullers but those matchday thread predictions continue to amaze me.
As many have pointed out, the points will need to come from the “weaker” teams, but let’s not forget: we are one of them.
As for Tuesday, I’ll be there again of course
But I’m not looking forward to the long drive home.
I recall Gary Lineker making a quip on MOTD about Sunderland during one of their relegation years when in the PL. He said ‘beat the traffic at the Stadium of Light by staying until the end’.
It happens everywhere around the country. The bigger the battering, the more people who’ll leave before the end.
werthersoriginal
Level: James Constable
(280 Apps, 106 Gls)
Ha , I do recall that. I was more taking issue with people leaving because 'We felt that the entertainment was over'.
OUSP (Replaced by FAB)
Level: Chris Maguire
(79 Apps, 22 Gls)
It certainly makes it quicker to get away. We reiterate the point made in the Fans view about the car parks, which was not clear on the radio.
It is only the VIP car park and the blue badges along the East/North stand that are held back. This is to ensure pedestrians from these stands can safely leave and get to the bus stops. Anyone in the main (Fence End) car park, overflow or East car park will only be delayed by the volume of traffic.
Manorlounger
Level: Phil Whitehead
(238 Apps)
Our leaving with a few minutes of the game remaining was motivated by our not enjoying what we were seeing but also, the thought of sitting in the car park seething at the result and the ever increasing impatience to get home whilst enduring the usual "bumper car" mentality of some drivers adding to the depressing story. Walking home avoiding any delays and frustration must be wonderful, however, many others do not enjoy that easy exit.
We are not casual fans of the club. We are not "plastic support" and if we decide to leave early, that's up to us and should not be the basis for anyone to take issue. There have been many occasions when we have stayed long after the final whistle to applaud the players, to chat to staff etc, Indeed, it is something we are looking forward to with the new stadium with all the promise of hospitality and ease of travel arrangements.
It may not fit your interpretation of a supporter if we leave early but, it's our prerogative and no-one else's and, as far as we are concerned, does not diminish our standing as supporters.
werthersoriginal
Level: James Constable
(280 Apps, 106 Gls)
Yes, I know you personally are a very loyal supporter, I was just taking issue with your wording. I’m not sure how often football is really‘entertainment’, it’s often too tense to qualify for that term.
ZeroTheHero
Level: Phil Whitehead
(238 Apps)
I can understand people leaving early, especially when we are 4 goals to the bad. As I said before though, I *cannot* understand people buggering off at half time when we are 2 down.
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
Always an emotive one this leaving early thing. Always interested to gets differing opinions and watch the debate that follows I know some very loyal fans who have left early for whatever reason.
Here it was the sheer numbers and how early people started leaving that really struck me. I just wonder how the players, who undoubtedly were trying their hardest, felt.
Probably what is more annoying is regards those that left early that will be nowhere to be seen if we get relegated and then struggle. Note, that’s an IF
Here it was the sheer numbers and how early people started leaving that really struck me. I just wonder how the players, who undoubtedly were trying their hardest, felt.
Probably what is more annoying is regards those that left early that will be nowhere to be seen if we get relegated and then struggle. Note, that’s an IF
TailsWeWin
Level: Dave Roberts
(176 Apps, 8 Gls)
I left when we were six nil down against Wigan that time.
Good decision.
Good decision.
Morris Oxford
Level: Dave Roberts
(176 Apps, 8 Gls)
MarkG
Level: Steve Basham
(189 Apps, 51 Gls)
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werthersoriginal
Level: James Constable
(280 Apps, 106 Gls)
I stayed to the end #trufan
Foley
Level: Colin Harrington
(260 Apps, 30 Gls)
I can't believe that people left at half time. Agree with you that those people will disappear for much of next season if we were to go down.
One thing that struck me though, was that those who stayed behind were really behind the team. The 'Buckingham's Yellow Army' chants were loud and continued for a while.
Hopefully the players noticed that as well as some of the empty seats.
I stayed to the end, vs wigan as well.
A few random thoughts:-
The crowd stuck with the team throughout I thought considering the scoreline, with the exception of the early leavers.
When the fixtures came out I believe we all realised there were going to be days like Saturday, against the bigger budget teams with lots of Championship experience.
'Not the top 20' Monday roundup says Jamie Cumming could have done better with 3 of the goals. A bit harsh I feel as they were well placed shots in the corners, although not thunderbolts.
Onto Chris Wilder's blades
A few random thoughts:-
The crowd stuck with the team throughout I thought considering the scoreline, with the exception of the early leavers.
When the fixtures came out I believe we all realised there were going to be days like Saturday, against the bigger budget teams with lots of Championship experience.
'Not the top 20' Monday roundup says Jamie Cumming could have done better with 3 of the goals. A bit harsh I feel as they were well placed shots in the corners, although not thunderbolts.
Onto Chris Wilder's blades
JOHN BOY
Level: Chris Maguire
(79 Apps, 22 Gls)
Yes that's why we stayed and as disappointed as we were we applaud ed the players off.At this moment in time they need the fans to stay with them.But anyone leaving early that's their choice coyy.
NottsYellow
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
Thanks Paul, great summary as usual.
Yep, Elland Road, Saturday before Christmas. Just got our tickets. I have a sneaking feeling we may just get our first away win of the season there. A bit like back in 1985/86, our first season in the old Division One, it got to January and we simply couldn't get an away win then we were faced with a trip to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were ready to go top with an "easy" win. But with a fine display we came out winners 4-1.
Yep, Elland Road, Saturday before Christmas. Just got our tickets. I have a sneaking feeling we may just get our first away win of the season there. A bit like back in 1985/86, our first season in the old Division One, it got to January and we simply couldn't get an away win then we were faced with a trip to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were ready to go top with an "easy" win. But with a fine display we came out winners 4-1.
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TheDukeOfBanburyshire
Level: Chris Maguire
(79 Apps, 22 Gls)
I agree in the main, but thought also needs to given for the people who are being asked to leave by others, rather than them simply deciding enough is enough themselves.
By choice, I would never leave an Oxford game early, but my matchday experience has changed significantly this season as it's the first year my sons have joined me.
My youngest is autistic and, while he really enjoys being at a game, does not have the emotional toolkit required to accept and rationalise the highs and the lows of the personal investment, particularly during a loss. The West Brom game was difficult enough for us (until injury time!) but Saturday was simply too much for him.
He asked to leave before half time. While I'm a committed Oxford fan, I'm a father first and foremost, and the wellbeing of my son naturally takes precedence.
Just a thought.
- Year of First Game
- 1970
Due to illness I stayed at home for this game,at some stage this season I thought we would get a bit of a mauling from someone, hopefully that was the game, the injury list has not helped over the last month either in team selection, with bodies back things should improve I hope,only time will tell, with goals being hard to come by its a bit of a nervy time
TheDukeOfBanburyshire
Level: Chris Maguire
(79 Apps, 22 Gls)
My concern is heads may drop if we are on the receiving end of another hammering tomorrow night, which is entirely possible.
Low morale may well counteract any positives that would otherwise have improved the squad by players returning.
I'm pretty concerned at the moment. If confidence does evaporate after tomorrow, then we're unlikely to capitalise on the easier run of fixtures coming up.
This could well be a season-defining period.
ZeroTheHero
Level: Phil Whitehead
(238 Apps)
Yes, of course there are always exceptions and I were with someone in the same situation I would of course go as well. But looking to the right out of the East Stand at half time there was a steady stream of people wandering off - call me cynical, but I suspect not all of them had a sudden pressing appointment elsewhere or a family member who needed to leave.
Nobody is perfect of course - I have left matches a few minutes early (whatever the score) if I am playing a gig that night and have to get home in good time, and once managed to get to cup match at Brentford very late and managed to miss us scoring three goals!!!
werthersoriginal
Level: James Constable
(280 Apps, 106 Gls)
And if half our home end lives in Hampshire or wherever that’s an issue in itself
I live in Hampshire (just about) and I stayed till the end, my cousin lives in greater leys and he didn’t
QR
Level: Paul Moody
(197 Apps, 75 Gls)
My brother left early (not sat near me) but I didn't. Strange seeing as we were travelling in the same car!
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
As I’ve said many a time I fully understand why some people have to leave early (or arrive late) – that for me demonstrates loyalty by turning up at all. Got to play a gig or be at a wedding or whatever but can watch about an hour without getting into trouble. Why not.
Absolutely admire family members who take children with autism, ADHD etc. Sometimes I’ve been amazed how long they’ve lasted without heading for the exit tbh.
SSO
Level: Chris Maguire
(79 Apps, 22 Gls)
I left as soon as the 5th went in. We just were not at the races and they punished some errors clinically. Last time I left early was when Reading beat us 5-1 in the League Cup at the Manor on a Saturday afternoon.
For me I got home that little bit earlier without the aggravation of being stuck in traffic. The rain had abated somewhat and as I managed to park up and walk 12 mins to and from the ground without getting wet my disappointment in the result soon disappeared.
It was just one of those games where everything the opponents do turns in their favour and the marginal decisions went their way too. Yes it was a pen. Silly challenge as I don't think they would have scored there. The offside I was unhappy with but was a bit unsure and much of the South Stand were the same. I have seen it on TV and the freeze frame they put on it during the highlights reel was inconclusive as it was a few frames out.
I absolutely detest VAR and with it we may have had a case even if it would be totally against my wishes. Having said that once you realise that the goal is going to stand all you are left with is berating the lino which is always entertaining in itself.
For me I got home that little bit earlier without the aggravation of being stuck in traffic. The rain had abated somewhat and as I managed to park up and walk 12 mins to and from the ground without getting wet my disappointment in the result soon disappeared.
It was just one of those games where everything the opponents do turns in their favour and the marginal decisions went their way too. Yes it was a pen. Silly challenge as I don't think they would have scored there. The offside I was unhappy with but was a bit unsure and much of the South Stand were the same. I have seen it on TV and the freeze frame they put on it during the highlights reel was inconclusive as it was a few frames out.
I absolutely detest VAR and with it we may have had a case even if it would be totally against my wishes. Having said that once you realise that the goal is going to stand all you are left with is berating the lino which is always entertaining in itself.
