In his weekly column, Rangers commercial manager Stuart Maun asks the question, what is the difference between a football fan and a football supporter?
According to most, a fan is generally someone who knows most things going on at their club. He or she is fanatical and will do anything and everything to watch their team, evening if it means cancelling other made personal plans.
They will generally go to as many games as they can and when they can’t be there will watch them on television, follow match blogs or social media updates or listen on the radio.
Generally, the football fan plans their day and life around the team, They keep the faith and believe in the manager, the board, the players and never regret backing THEIR team, In the eyes of the fan, their team are champions, the best in the country, even if a season is threatened with relegation and an empty trophy cabinet.
A supporter on the other hand is maybe a person who knows a little less about the team in question. They may go to a few games but do not religiously know when or where they are playing and who has joined the club or left.
The typical supporter might watch half a dozen games or so a season, but does not plan the day around the club or events.
They would naturally like the team to win and offer their encouragement to the players during a game and cheer when their teams scores.
As the name suggests they are more of the “supportive” role rather than ‘fanatical’.
The supporter often voices constructive criticism in a balanced manner and realises the team cannot win every game.
So, does it matter whether you are a fan or a supporter? Not in our eyes! Whichever you are you will certainly be welcomed at Marston Road.
Every man, woman, child, race, religion (and dog) are all encouraged to get behind the Rangers, come rain, snow or sunshine. Up the Boro!
