I’ve just read [url=http://leeds.rlfans.com/readarticle.php?article_id=1548lawrie’s column[/url (worth a read) and he raises this point -



Now I think that this is the reaction of a true fan. I’m assuming that this fan will remain a Rhinos fan after he’s sent his season ticket back. He just doesn’t want to go to the games anymore, am I correct?

I might not go to every home game this season, but I still listen to the radio, watch Sky Sports and check other media to keep in touch with how the Rhinos are doing. I can assure you that many probably do the same. I don’t know how much the Rhinos get for selling TV rights and radio commentary rights, but I’m assuming it’s not too cheap.

At the end of the day, money is money. It’s not just the ‘fans’ that stand on the terraces that bring it all in don’t you know..

I don't think Lawrie is having a go at fans that can't go to every match. I think the point he is trying to make is that a fan who has already bought a season ticket has decided that the team aren't good enough and wants his/her money back. I can't make any matches due to living in London but I still follow the team despite disappointing results and I believe that makes me no less of a fan. However, if I bought a season ticket and watched the team lose (ala last week), the following match I would still be there supporting the team either watching an improvement or another defeat, I would then attend each match with a fresh slate. I once walked out of a match against Hull in 2006 (I think) because lots of fans were booing. I regretted this decision and will never do so again instead I intend to start cheering louder than these 'fans'.

I think that "fan" will find that he can't have his money back, nor can he actually transfer the ticket either.

I was just speaking for myself in what I see as a real fan. However I agree with your second sentence.

I think a fan is someone who always follows team through good and bad. Not everyone can go to all the games, and I had to give my season ticket up 2 years ago, as I work shifts and nights I missed alot, and only go when I am avalable.
On a separate note I would imagine most of us have been guilty of saying off the cuff remarks after poor results. I am as guilty as most but I always come back and follow the team.
I don't think someone who doesn't go all the time not a true fan. It's alot of money and everyone in these times has to
priorities

My overall opinion is that a ‘true fan’ supports Leeds till the day their die. Financial contributions to the club don’t even come into. They’ll be Rhinos fans in prison now that probably won’t see a game for years. Its more than just watching a game. Its heritage and what makes us who we are.

What I'm referring to is after one "home game" someone pans the team, I asked the individual if he had watched the two previous games, I'm still awaiting a reply. It was a poor performance yes, but in my time I have seen much much worse displays

I whole heartedly agree but in my house my two sons follow Leeds and they know no other team matters and if people have ever seen Ripping yarns will appreciate that when we loose i wont watch any related programme where they may be shown by the next days papers read anything online and mar lady knows not to speak about it

a "true fan" is what someone calls themselves to try and make there opinion more valid than it actually is, just because they spent more money/attended more games - usually after they are shown to be rather foolish by someone else

The expression of “True Fan” is absolute bollox, you’re either a fan or you’re not.

Ok so some people are more dedicated than other, some spend more dosh at the club shop, some make it to more away games than others but how does that make them a “truer fan” than someone who is just as passionate sat in their armchair at home, screaming at the TV?

It doesn't.

True fans get their replica shirts signed by the team, and wear it to games

I used to think attending games (every game) mattered, I now realise it doesn't.

Agree with the many posts above and i will add that the "fan" in question may or may not calm down and i'd suspect it was said through an emotional point of view.
We all follow the Rhinos in 1 way or another and that's enough for me to be classed as a "fan" of course we all have opinions on how we played ,how we can improve and how much we feel defeat or victory the main thing is at the end of the day is to keep supporting in which ever way you feel you should.

Anyone who considers themselves a true fan, and makes a point of telling everyone, doesn't usually have a lot else going on in their lives.

I'm with TVOC and LS16 on this one.

I think of myself as a fan: I go to the games, long time supporter, buy the shirt, form an accurate opinion of my team at certain times whether positive or negative.

Having said all that, these 'statos' don't bother going to the games and manage to have 'full proof' arguments it seems of who's hot and who's not etc.

So who knows?

I'm with tvoc, LS16 & rhinosms on this.

I used to go to every single match home & away. Nowadays, if an away match is on Sky I'll probably stay at home. I don't think that makes me any less of a fan, it's just older I've got, the grumpier I've got and I like my home comforts.

I also don't think there's such a thing as an "Armchair Fan". I don't have anything against fans that don't go to the games. If you support Leeds, or even if you just want Leeds to do well, that's a "fan" in my book.

I think the "I'm a bigger fan than you are cos I have the latest kit/go to every game/am friends with Danny McGuire's cleaner's, cousin's, mum's, next-door-neighbour's, window cleaner's, dog walker" thing is something people tend to grow out of.

As for the fan asking for his money back after Friday... My ideal would be for the club to give him it back, and then ban him from ever getting another. That'd be one less numpty to listen to complaining around me.

Seems a few of our union-watching brethren are expressing similar sentiments about carnegie www.rugbynetwork.net/boards/read ... 5,12259633 Ouch.

Seems a few of our union-watching brethren are expressing similar sentiments about carnegie www.rugbynetwork.net/boards/read ... 5,12259633 Ouch.

Some have defined it as living within a certain radius of Headingley, some as going to every game home and away.
I would define a true supporter as one who has an affinity with the club and actively follows the club's progress throughout the season and feels the elation of hearing of a win and the disappointment of a defeat as if they had been there.
There are so many reasons why people cannot get to matches and with the economic climate set to get worse we may see more people unable to afford to go to games, will that make them any less a supporter?

He should try watching Doncaster for as many years as i have, then he would appreciate everything that you have got more.

Is it possible to just be a fan of the game?

Hell yeah - I would consider myself a Rugby League fan first, Rhinos fan second.

If the Rhinos disappeared tomorrow I’d probably nail my colours to another SL club’s mast.

P.S. do you have this year’s fixture list for the Akkies – there’s nowt under Fixtures on the website

Not if you want the full experience.

Not yet mate, only the teams in our league provisionally confirmed so far.

Season starts on April 30th, so expect an official RFL fixture list on the 28th.