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When we hear A-League fans say that they’ve tried to get their friends who follow and wear Manchester United, Arsenal or Barcelona jerseys to local matches, they mostly say: “No, it is rubbish!”
Or if they do turn up (European fans, that is. For example, 23,000 in season 1, Roar vs SFC) they are attracted by the likes of Dwight Yorke. What does it mean?
My own opinion is that what they are saying is essentially correct, if taken literally. Compared to the atmosphere, the quality of football in the A-League has been mostly rubbish.
So when they turn up to see Dwight or Robbie Fowler (at least until they saw the reality that age dictates), they’re yearning for a glimpse or even a dash of that European football brought over here.
Some A-League fans argue that it is not as good as the golden fields of Europe, but it is ours, and as football fans, you should follow it if you want it to improve.
More support means bigger and noisier crowds and no excuses for the media to ignore the A-League.
Unfortunately, it is not that simple.
You’re asking football fans to forsake eating caviar at the Ritz and to get down to the local transport cafe to savour their baked beans on toast.
Not only that, but they’ve been dining at the Ritz for many more years (albeit on TV) than the number of local transport cafes have been open. They need some convincing to change that loyalty.
But what if the transport cafe improves the quality of food?
Sure it doesn’t have the impressive foyer of the Ritz, the shining chandeliers, the doorman and staff in flashy uniforms, but it is the food and only the food that pulls you back to the restaurant anyway.
Then it starts to stand a chance of competing with the glitz, glamour and nostalgia of the Ritz.
During the first five seasons, we saw a glimpse of our future when Adelaide played Gamba Osaka in the ACL.
Gamba was clearly a cut above Adelaide. Crisp accurate passing and attacking football, intelligent use of space, and combining to create a fluid spectacle were on display.
Fast forward to this season and the Roar. As a season ticket-holder, I have eaten the baked beans and listened to the “Ritz mob” from the start as they puked alongside me and out of the ground.
Not so this season. Last Saturday was as good as anything you will get in Europe in terms of football, without the bells and whistles. Any European follower who says different is churlish, to say the least.
Now, like the Japanese, we need to maintain this level of football and improve it into the future for real long term success.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.