Does Brighton Really Need A Football Club? (From The Argus)
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Does Brighton Really Need A Football Club?
10:06pm Tuesday 20th September 2011 in Blogs
A matter of life and death
On the way home from a wonderful traipse over the Downs with ma famille (wifey Jocasta and twins Lex & Nimsie), we drove by the massive construction that is the Amex Stadium, sat on the edge of said beautiful landscape like a gigantic alien robot beetle, ready to strike at the heart of the Falmer countryside.
On Wednesday evening, this metal monster is the venue for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carling Cup tie with Liverpool and their troupe of international millionaire playboys, a game which will even be televised by Murdoch’s evil Sky empire.
With an impressive start to the Championship season, and an even more impressive and suave manager in the svelte, Latin form of Gus Poyet, Brighton are currently riding a tidal wave of success. However, is anyone brave enough to question all this hoopla? Does anyone actually have the kahunas (testes) to raise their hand and go against the flow? Well, yes, someone does. And once again, that someone is me, Q Delahunty. So I put it to you, dearest Argus readers – Does Brighton really need a football team at all?
Brighton, Brighthelm or Brighthelmstone, call it what you will, is a magical place, a haven for artists, creatives, radicals and those who choose to eschew the “norm” and raise a massive middle digit to the corporate mainstream.
So just how does a big corporate football team fit into Brighton circa 2012? With aspirations of reaching the vile, money-drunk Premier League, and a stadium sponsored by American Express of all companies, the Seagulls (an erroneous moniker as there is technically no such bird as a seagull) have their sights firmly set on sucking from the capitalist teat in the top division. Indeed, with the hideous “1901 Club” corporate seats, where business drones (smart casual dress code) can mingle with “like-minded people”, gorge themselves on naff “fine dining” and maybe even throw a glance or two in the direction of the action on the pitch, this new-look club has lost it’s Brighthelm vibe.
Now you regular readers/fans of mine will be well aware of my balance and my ability to see things from all points of view. And in cette case, I do see some positives in having the club succeed. In these times of economic turmoil, the working classes of Brighton and its surrounding environs will no doubt benefit from the (drug-free) shot in the arm of a successful local football team. 3pm on a Saturday gives these poor wastrels a chance to belong, to feel part of a tribe, and that is relatively important.
However, football in general, as well as currently lying prostrate in front of the capitalist gods, is imbued with a whole menagerie of nasty subcultures and attitudes. Despite the authorities doing their best (apparently) to “Kick It Out”, the average football fan still hides his racism under a Burberry baseball cap, his sexism in the back pocket of his ill-fitting jeans and his rampant homophobia under the five inches of flab around his midriff. So, is this sport of “isms” really relevant in our liberal idyll?
Surely, Petanque, Frisbee or even Hacky Sack are more representative of this ol’ seaside town? Games which imbue a counter-cultural sense of individuality. After all, have you ever seen crowd trouble at a Petanque game down on Hove Lawns? Or have you ever had your place smashed up by a horde of Hacky Sack hooligans? Didn’t think so.
So here’s my considered suggestion - As a first step, maybe Brighton council should ban the wearing of football shirts (of all teams) from the city, or at least from the likes of North Laine, the Lanes, Kemptown and Hanover.
Brighton at its best is a sea (by the sea) of tie-dye, shabby-chic and uber-cool underground fashion. That’s what the rest of the UK loves about us – our quirkiness. However, when that fashion-fest is polluted by acrylic football tops, the message is diluted. We become like any other coastal town that they forgot to close down.
Surely an exclusion zone would work? Wouldn’t a North Laine free of football colours be a purer and better place? While residents of areas such as Whitehawk, outside the zone, would still be able to sport their over-priced footy tops ‘til the proverbial cows came home?
And before the football elitists start lambasting me for my ignorance about football - FYI, in my hey-day, I was quite the footballer – a midfielder general with the vision Zinedine Zidane, the bite of Marco Tardelli and the glorious left foot of Liam Brady. (Indeed back then I even penned a bio-pic of the Arsenal and Ireland legend entitled “My Left Foot”. However, Jim Sheridan nicked my idea and sneakily substituted the football star for some angry artist with a handicap. I’ve never forgiven Sheridan to this day).
In my teens, my burgeoning football career (a fair few top teams were reportedly interested in me) was indeed burgeoning, but so was my gift for the written word. Eventually, my innate talent as a wordsmith and provocateur won out and from then I would do my thinking, and not my shooting, outside the box. However, I still retain a deep affection for the game. Indeed, I currently support Real de Banjul, a team in the Gambian Major League. I trained with them during my Afro-tastic gap year many moons ago. A proper football team.
So before the army of bitter, chubby-fingered football bloggers lay siege to my avant-garde ideas while they sit at their computers in their soiled underpants, and litter the web with unfocused vitriol, I ask you to read my words carefully, and consider my thoughts properly. As a true Brightonian (well, I’ve lived here for six years now, and I’m vegan), I decree that Brighton is beautiful enough without the “beautiful” game.
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Comments(154)
bigdavebrighton
says...
11:16am Wed 21 Sep 11
gingerdread
says...
11:20am Wed 21 Sep 11
Bancieri
says...
11:21am Wed 21 Sep 11
farside
says...
11:21am Wed 21 Sep 11
RufusTC
says...
11:22am Wed 21 Sep 11
Don't feed the troll!
deano.
says...
11:23am Wed 21 Sep 11
Brez25
says...
11:24am Wed 21 Sep 11
This club has united people from all over the city and in fact all over the country! Peaceful protests about the ground and only one real bit of trouble a few years ago after the Leeds match!
A terrible stereotypical view of football fans and quite offensive to people who don't wear burberry caps (not that I've seen any at the Amex) also I don't have chubby fingers!
The club has been here a lot longer than you and our fans have been through a tough time with it! If you don't like seeing football shirts around the...tough, I would love to see the city in a sea of blue and White stripes
gingerdread
says...
11:29am Wed 21 Sep 11
RufusTC wrote:I think this troll will be getting a whole bunch of billy goat gruffs giving him a good bucking!!!!
I don't buy this for one minute. Shamelessly put together to get a reaction.
Don't feed the troll!
DanielJC
says...
11:31am Wed 21 Sep 11
It's very nice of you to decide who Brighton is for. I suppose that by extension, despite being born & bred in the wonderful city, you are decreeing that Brighton has no need for me, and that I am to leave, simply because I do not belong to your set criteria of who Brighton is a haven "for".
Personally, I love that Brighton is a place for *all* people, including those you wish it be exclusive for, and also including those who enjoy football and want a club to be proud of.
"Despite the authorities doing their best (apparently) to “Kick It Out”, the average football fan still hides his racism under a Burberry baseball cap, his sexism in the back pocket of his ill-fitting jeans and his rampant homophobia under the five inches of flab around his midriff. So, is this sport of “isms” really relevant in our liberal idyll?"
This is absolutely disgusting, and I would like to invite you to defend this further. If you were to apply such a baseless stereotype to a group of people based on their race, religion, gender or sexuality yourself it would (rightly) be disgraceful; I don't see why doing so to a group based the fact they like football is any better.
I'm also genuinely interested in whether you take much pleasure from deliberately insulting an entire group of people, and also whether it makes you feel better to indulge the very labelling and discrimination that you (rightly) despise in others.
heathgate
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11:34am Wed 21 Sep 11
Rex-Bibendi
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11:38am Wed 21 Sep 11
This blog is narrow-minded, stereotypical and offensive to the footballer, writer & Brightonian in me.
Scousefan
says...
11:42am Wed 21 Sep 11
I left Brighton more 25 years ago and have supported the football team ever since. Sadly reading this tripe reminds me of the bad side of Brighton that I didn't used to like.
Maybe pretentious prats should be banned from central Brighton.
Mr Carrot where are you when we need you!
Keyword: ignore
domfor
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11:49am Wed 21 Sep 11
If you don't like diversity Quentin, try living in a gated community where the 'working classes' will be kept out.
not a regular
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11:50am Wed 21 Sep 11
You're good at two things: hypocrasy and journalism (only because you know how to grind enough gears to get a reaction).
I'd love to say more, but unfortunately I have to get back to vandalising my town, beating up innocent people and forming hate groups.
JasonSimmonds
says...
11:57am Wed 21 Sep 11
It's funny you talk about banning football shirts in your utopia yet in the same breath you would probably be outraged about a possible banning of a woman of her rights to choose to wear a burkha. Does individual choice not exist in your world, thank goodness you just talk rubbish and are not in a position to implement policies.
I regard myself as middle class, never wear football tops yet I and 20,000+ other people (let me first of apologise on behalf of us 20,000 people whom spoil yours and your families walk. My actual advice would be why don't you walk somewhere else, Sussex has plenty other beautiful spots) love going to the Amex each week. The quality of enterntainment is better than any opera, any theatre production, any film (yes I have been to these too) I could care to mention and it is a real COMMUNITY event. You talk and meet people and make friends with people whom you would never talk and speak to because you have a common interest i.e the team. You never do that at the theatre, opera, cinema, going for a walk or reading a book. Seeing that you liberals seem to have a thing about community I would have thought you would have desired that.
The ground, the team, the manager and the chairman are something Brighton and Sussex in general should be proud of and yet you are given paper time to roll out cliched (and actually to be quite honest if it was said about a specific nation/race/gender group very offensive) claptrap.
The Amex is here to stay, the battle of the stadium has been long won and it will be there until the day I die. Giving entertainment, happiness and enjoyment to thousands and thousands of people, hooray.
Simster
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11:58am Wed 21 Sep 11
Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.
JasonSimmonds
says...
11:58am Wed 21 Sep 11
It's funny you talk about banning football shirts in your utopia yet in the same breath you would probably be outraged about a possible banning of a woman of her rights to choose to wear a burkha. Does individual choice not exist in your world, thank goodness you just talk rubbish and are not in a position to implement policies.
I regard myself as middle class, never wear football tops yet I and 20,000+ other people (let me first of apologise on behalf of us 20,000 people whom spoil yours and your families walk. My actual advice would be why don't you walk somewhere else, Sussex has plenty other beautiful spots) love going to the Amex each week. The quality of enterntainment is better than any opera, any theatre production, any film (yes I have been to these too) I could care to mention and it is a real COMMUNITY event. You talk and meet people and make friends with people whom you would never talk and speak to because you have a common interest i.e the team. You never do that at the theatre, opera, cinema, going for a walk or reading a book. Seeing that you liberals seem to have a thing about community I would have thought you would have desired that.
The ground, the team, the manager and the chairman are something Brighton and Sussex in general should be proud of and yet you are given paper time to roll out cliched (and actually to be quite honest if it was said about a specific nation/race/gender group is actually very offensive) claptrap.
The Amex is here to stay, the battle of the stadium has been long won and it will be there until the day I die, hooray.
ICantThinkOfAName
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11:59am Wed 21 Sep 11
Long Eaton Mess
says...
12:02pm Wed 21 Sep 11
A wordsmith you proclaim to be, but labelling yourself as a 'Liberal' suggests you are not aware of the word.
To reserve such grudges toward the residents of Whitehawk, and to possess an apparent loathing of citizens outside of Brighton's middleclass playground, paints a picture of a 'Blue Quentin'!
Here's what a 'Liberal' is.
lib·er·al
Show IPA
adjective
1.
favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.
2.
( often initial capital letter ) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform.
3.
of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism.
4.
favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, especially as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.
5.
favoring or permitting freedom of action, especially with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.
swedishseagull
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12:06pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Rex-Bibendi
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12:10pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Simster wrote:If it's no loss to you then please go back to Notting Hill. You're part of the real problem of people watering-down the culture & overpopulating of this town to the point where no locals can even rent a bedsit.
I couldn't agree more, Quentin. When I moved here seven years ago from Notting Hill, there was a real quirky attraction to the place. Now it's being spoilt by the sight of beer-bellied slobs drinking in all those grotty pubs near Brighton station before being carted off cattle class to this monstrosity every Saturday afternoon.
Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.
Simster
says...
12:18pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Rex-Bibendi wrote:I'm sorry Rex, but you're being ridiculous. I have the money to live in Brighthelm, so will do exactly that thankyou very much. Notting Hill was all very well, but the cost of parking was obscene. And it wasn't edgy enough for me, to be honest.
Simster wrote: I couldn't agree more, Quentin. When I moved here seven years ago from Notting Hill, there was a real quirky attraction to the place. Now it's being spoilt by the sight of beer-bellied slobs drinking in all those grotty pubs near Brighton station before being carted off cattle class to this monstrosity every Saturday afternoon. Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.If it's no loss to you then please go back to Notting Hill. You're part of the real problem of people watering-down the culture & overpopulating of this town to the point where no locals can even rent a bedsit.
No, the real problem here is not me, but silly do-gooders who drag the city through the gutter by changing things for the sake of it. I was drinking my espresso in the North Laine the other day and overheard some clown suggesting that Brighton pier should be changed to Palace Pier.
Yeah great idea. Just throw away decades of tradition on a whim. Idiots.
jasblue
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12:29pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Adkins Schmadkins
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12:37pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Mono1701
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12:40pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Wilka
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12:40pm Wed 21 Sep 11
seagullsovergrimsby
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12:40pm Wed 21 Sep 11
killigarth
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12:41pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Brightons 'incommers' would do better to do the same. Enjoy the lifestyle you can in Brighton and embrace the lifestyle the people of Brighton and Hove have always had.
Quentin DelaHuntty (is that a real name) you are clearly in a minority as a referendum proved, you are also disrespectful to the good people of Brighton and Hove who, at least up until now, have welcomed you to their City.
I can't wait for my next trip to watch the Albion. Tonight will be sky TV with my Cornish friends.
Adkins Schmadkins
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12:51pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Easy 10
says...
1:01pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Keep it coming folks, hilarious (and some fine work there too Simster) :0D
UppityPrimate
says...
1:08pm Wed 21 Sep 11
King Biscuit
says...
1:22pm Wed 21 Sep 11
As if the town isn't bad enough of a weekend, with groups of young 'chavs' descending from Croydon and Crawley in their droves, shouting across the street at each other and swigging from cans of mass-produced artifical-additive-l
aden alcopops between pavement-bound spittle contests, we now also have the football gangs in their shirts, staggering around town looking for sensitive locals to intimidate. I am happy to say that the big cheese of my local brasserie has banned those in football tops from his premises on Brighton Albion matchdays. I only hope other atmospherically aware businesses follow suit.
Why couldn't Brighton have built a ground at Gatwick Airport or somewhere else more suited to crowds of beer-sodden 'lads' than the historical streets of Brighton and Hove. My only hope is that the football team fail and are relegated to a lower league - this might be un-locally patriotic of me but if failure on the field means the crowds will be smaller and the yobbo groups fewer, it's a small price to pay for those of us who want a little peace in our lives.
sweeper180
says...
1:51pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Taras Bulba
says...
1:52pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Taras Bulba
says...
1:52pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Easy 10
says...
2:13pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Taras Bulba wrote:I suspect there are a few "D'OH's" and slapped foreheads going round right now.
Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?
pebble counter
says...
2:15pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Taras Bulba wrote:Maybe, but there are some people who have come to the area who do think they've made Brighton what it is. They don't want to see a football club in the town they have created. If they'd seen the town in the seventies and eighties before they got here, they'd see what a fantastic thing the Amex is, and how the club has evolved into what it is now. Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too.
Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?
gingerdread
says...
2:21pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Simster wrote:Awesome take Quentin the queenie with you and dont come back!!!!
I couldn't agree more, Quentin. When I moved here seven years ago from Notting Hill, there was a real quirky attraction to the place. Now it's being spoilt by the sight of beer-bellied slobs drinking in all those grotty pubs near Brighton station before being carted off cattle class to this monstrosity every Saturday afternoon.
Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.
gingerdread
says...
2:26pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Taras Bulba wrote:WHAT YOU MEAN HE'S NOT????
Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?
King Biscuit
says...
2:31pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Willie, Willie Irvine
says...
2:48pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Ant1966
says...
2:55pm Wed 21 Sep 11
WS
says...
3:00pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Frankly I'm stumped on that. It may be time to organise the careful dispersal of our city's residents to other parts of the UK, and end Brighton's ultimately pointless and futile existence.
I thought
says...
3:07pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Scudster
says...
3:19pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Perhaps Quentin could turn his vaguely considered wit to the equally valid question - 'Does Brighton really need a Festival ?' next...
Ripe seagull.
says...
3:22pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Claire Banks
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3:40pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Willie, Willie Irvine
says...
3:52pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Claire Banks wrote:No, you bit thinking the comments were all serious. Touche..
Bravo Q. I take my hat off to you for winding up the 'comments' posse. They all bit! I wonder if I could get more reaction is I posted an anti-breastfeeding piece?!! *impish giggle*
gheese77
says...
4:19pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Willie, Willie Irvine
says...
4:30pm Wed 21 Sep 11
gheese77 wrote:Hmm, 'decent football' and 'Crystal Palace' are mutually exclusive terms...
Of course brighton doesn't need a football club - if you want to see some decent football Crystal Palace is only 40 min on the train
JoeBlow
says...
4:44pm Wed 21 Sep 11
FlipFlopFF
says...
5:09pm Wed 21 Sep 11
FlipFlopFF
says...
5:09pm Wed 21 Sep 11
FlipFlopFF
says...
5:13pm Wed 21 Sep 11
King Biscuit wrote:You have made my day with that post :-)
It might make me as unpopular as a carnivore at a creative workshop, but I have to say I agree with the original blogger. It wasn't too bad when Brighton FC played their games at the Woodingdean as their fans mostly stayed away from the centre, but the new larger ground - despicably built in the middle of the beautiful Sussex countryside (one of the main reasons I moved my family here from the big City when my son Rameses was of school-bound age) - has seen the whole of Brighton, and more importantly Hove, flooded with football yobbos in their striped tops every Saturday.
As if the town isn't bad enough of a weekend, with groups of young 'chavs' descending from Croydon and Crawley in their droves, shouting across the street at each other and swigging from cans of mass-produced artifical-additive-l
aden alcopops between pavement-bound spittle contests, we now also have the football gangs in their shirts, staggering around town looking for sensitive locals to intimidate. I am happy to say that the big cheese of my local brasserie has banned those in football tops from his premises on Brighton Albion matchdays. I only hope other atmospherically aware businesses follow suit.
Why couldn't Brighton have built a ground at Gatwick Airport or somewhere else more suited to crowds of beer-sodden 'lads' than the historical streets of Brighton and Hove. My only hope is that the football team fail and are relegated to a lower league - this might be un-locally patriotic of me but if failure on the field means the crowds will be smaller and the yobbo groups fewer, it's a small price to pay for those of us who want a little peace in our lives.
Ripe seagull.
says...
6:38pm Wed 21 Sep 11
King Biscuit wrote:Another wind up! Well done! Perhaps you should move back to mars (clearly from another planet) By the way, that beautiful Sussex countryside has a great big university on top of it! Thankfully the stadium was built and has by far improved the look of the area! And Rameses??? Nobody should call their kid that!! Also the football team is well on the way up so I think you'll find promotion is far more likely than relegation, then we'll have an even BIGGER stadium!! Marvelous!!!!
It might make me as unpopular as a carnivore at a creative workshop, but I have to say I agree with the original blogger. It wasn't too bad when Brighton FC played their games at the Woodingdean as their fans mostly stayed away from the centre, but the new larger ground - despicably built in the middle of the beautiful Sussex countryside (one of the main reasons I moved my family here from the big City when my son Rameses was of school-bound age) - has seen the whole of Brighton, and more importantly Hove, flooded with football yobbos in their striped tops every Saturday.
As if the town isn't bad enough of a weekend, with groups of young 'chavs' descending from Croydon and Crawley in their droves, shouting across the street at each other and swigging from cans of mass-produced artifical-additive-l
aden alcopops between pavement-bound spittle contests, we now also have the football gangs in their shirts, staggering around town looking for sensitive locals to intimidate. I am happy to say that the big cheese of my local brasserie has banned those in football tops from his premises on Brighton Albion matchdays. I only hope other atmospherically aware businesses follow suit.
Why couldn't Brighton have built a ground at Gatwick Airport or somewhere else more suited to crowds of beer-sodden 'lads' than the historical streets of Brighton and Hove. My only hope is that the football team fail and are relegated to a lower league - this might be un-locally patriotic of me but if failure on the field means the crowds will be smaller and the yobbo groups fewer, it's a small price to pay for those of us who want a little peace in our lives.
offthebit
says...
8:15pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Nobody "needs" a football team in the sense that they need water and oxygen. But as a supposed liberal, maybe Mr Delahunty should consider that banning the wearing of football shirts is no different to banning burkas (presumably he supports that also? Just in the interests of balance. And flip-flops). Just because something does not fit in with his small-minded view of the world, does not mean it should be banned.
But I see he has not lived in the city that long, hopefully in time he will learn to open his mind and learn to love all there is on offer.
Lastly, to everyone complaining about the impact of the stadium on the environment, please go to the Brighton Museum and take a look at the maps of the city over the past few centuries. Our city was built on open land - your own home included.
leobrighton
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8:38pm Wed 21 Sep 11
seventhjunction
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9:07pm Wed 21 Sep 11
denn1s25
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10:05pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Just one question, do you use just your creative powers to convince yourself you're liberal, or do you take medication to help?
PorkBoat
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10:35pm Wed 21 Sep 11
the_bewlay_brother
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11:14pm Wed 21 Sep 11
the_bewlay_brother
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11:14pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Auld School
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11:27pm Wed 21 Sep 11
Its a shame you dont get it, BHA is a genuine cornerstone of Brighthelmstone that Pride and the Festival will never be. NEVER.
lequack80
says...
1:50am Thu 22 Sep 11
Nico Rjinders
says...
8:32am Thu 22 Sep 11
Marko
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9:12am Thu 22 Sep 11
Doublemadforit
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9:39am Thu 22 Sep 11
ReluctantHousewife
says...
9:44am Thu 22 Sep 11
Last night everywhere I looked there were happy, open faces, everyone smiled at each other and wished each other and the team well. Most of these people had never been to a game before! (Thankfully the massive screens post up the fans song lyrics so everyone can join in and sing along and not feel left out). So wonderful for them to get the chance... and now you Quentin. Why not come to a game and see for yourself, it is honestly more of a community these days than a nest of troublesome hooligans? (I'm lucky enough to be in corporate seating where no replica shirts are allowed so you won't be offended by them)
All best, RH x
FlipFlopFF
says...
10:25am Thu 22 Sep 11
tom servo
says...
10:29am Thu 22 Sep 11
pebble counter wrote:Well I love Brighton, but I'm not that into football, might be hard for you to grasp but not everyone is. So the statement "Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too" is a ridiculous one. Personally I could not care a less if the team went bankrupt and they flattened the stadium.
Taras Bulba wrote: Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?Maybe, but there are some people who have come to the area who do think they've made Brighton what it is. They don't want to see a football club in the town they have created. If they'd seen the town in the seventies and eighties before they got here, they'd see what a fantastic thing the Amex is, and how the club has evolved into what it is now. Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too.
Tommy from the Amex
says...
12:40pm Thu 22 Sep 11
tom servo wrote:Just cancelled the Argus at the newsagents ! Idiots like him make it a waste of paper ! better used in the toilet Quintin ! Maybe with the bad sales they have might be linked to idiots writing like him ! Jocasta,Lex & Nimsie !!!! says it all !
pebble counter wrote:Well I love Brighton, but I'm not that into football, might be hard for you to grasp but not everyone is. So the statement "Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too" is a ridiculous one. Personally I could not care a less if the team went bankrupt and they flattened the stadium.
Taras Bulba wrote: Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?Maybe, but there are some people who have come to the area who do think they've made Brighton what it is. They don't want to see a football club in the town they have created. If they'd seen the town in the seventies and eighties before they got here, they'd see what a fantastic thing the Amex is, and how the club has evolved into what it is now. Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too.
tpw211
says...
1:25pm Thu 22 Sep 11
If it isn't satirical then it goes to show how narrow minded these 'liberals' are.
Busterblister
says...
1:29pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Of course, now the Amex is open all sorts of people come on here to comment about the Albion's fortune in finding a solitary benefactor and proclaim themselves lifelong fans. But where were they when the team played at The Priestfield and at Withdean and needed paying customers? Where were they when the club was holding out it's begging bowl and getting virtually nothing back? Where were the financial institutions when shown the business plan?
The club is only alive in its present form because of the generosity of one man. Otherwise it would have gone slowly but surely down the pan for lack of funds.
So when you see the pro-Albion comments, think "customers", not fans. They'll disappear when the "product" loses its appeal.
Kapplar
says...
1:30pm Thu 22 Sep 11
If however, it's an actual opinion then again bravo. I don't think I've ever read anything so self serving and pretentious in my life. From what I've read, you're neither Liberal, Creative or even a "Brightonian" - You're one of the many people who move to Brighton and use it like a designer accessory believing that, just like your £120 glassless wayfarers, living in the Laines will make you appear chic or cultured.
Your question is also inane. Of course Brighton doesn't need a Football team, it just really really wants one. My question is, does Brighton need the likes of you? I'm going to go out on a limb and say... No.
Hugs and Kisses,
A Rugby Fan.
tpw211
says...
1:31pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Tailgaters Anonymous
says...
1:42pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Bubs
says...
1:45pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Brighton Shermdog
says...
2:09pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Kapplar
says...
2:10pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Kapplar wrote:Appears he is a "satirical" fictional character. Another brilliant piece from the Argus.
If this is a joke piece, then it will no doubt serve it's purpose of antagonising the masses, although that's not really an accomplishment.
If however, it's an actual opinion then again bravo. I don't think I've ever read anything so self serving and pretentious in my life. From what I've read, you're neither Liberal, Creative or even a "Brightonian" - You're one of the many people who move to Brighton and use it like a designer accessory believing that, just like your £120 glassless wayfarers, living in the Laines will make you appear chic or cultured.
Your question is also inane. Of course Brighton doesn't need a Football team, it just really really wants one. My question is, does Brighton need the likes of you? I'm going to go out on a limb and say... No.
Hugs and Kisses,
A Rugby Fan.
King Biscuit
says...
2:25pm Thu 22 Sep 11
gartholomusings
says...
2:33pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Got plenty of biters though. Including me, f&*$&%^&$&.
Karswell
says...
2:51pm Thu 22 Sep 11
cliffettridge
says...
4:52pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Cabin fever
says...
5:09pm Thu 22 Sep 11
FlipFlopFF wrote:It's ROFL! If you're going to use yoof acronyms, at least get them right!
Still makes me ROFFLE at all the comments. Every women man should wear BHAFC football tops with pride imvho #ThatsAll
CJTC
Hatman123
says...
5:16pm Thu 22 Sep 11
FC Inter ya Nan
says...
5:42pm Thu 22 Sep 11
FC Inter ya Nan
says...
5:42pm Thu 22 Sep 11
kentseagull
says...
5:47pm Thu 22 Sep 11
SiliconBeachead
says...
6:35pm Thu 22 Sep 11
I was mainly interested in the article to see if any valid point would be raised that could maybe hold some ground against the unrelenting tide of Albion supporters who undoubtedly will read the article and see it as an attack against their beloved team.
However, I couldn't even get past the 3rd paragraph, where the author uses the word Kahunas to indicate he has large testes.
He doesn't.
The word he's looking for is "Cojones" - which translated from Spanish, literally means "testicles".
A "Kahuna" is a Hawaiian Shaman, or slang for an important person, somebody in charge. His boss, is the "Big Kahuna", he however is someone who stopped me dead in my tracks & took me right out of the article and ANY chance of finishing it because if he can't be bothered to get insignificant facts straight, what chance does he have of presenting any valid argument.
Quentin, I'm not a writer, I'm not a journalist, but for crying out loud, if you're going to try to speak "the lingo" sort your s%@t out. And people wonder why the cherished "local newspaper" is a dying thing.
Muppet.
Ringmer Rich
says...
7:38pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Ringmer Rich
says...
7:39pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Baldseagull
says...
8:11pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Busterblister wrote:You're wrong, the club is alive in its present form because of the fans, those that went to the Goldstone, the Priestfield and Withdean and now the Amex.
This is a spoof, but it appears to have flown over the heads of the vast majority of Albion's new found customers.
Of course, now the Amex is open all sorts of people come on here to comment about the Albion's fortune in finding a solitary benefactor and proclaim themselves lifelong fans. But where were they when the team played at The Priestfield and at Withdean and needed paying customers? Where were they when the club was holding out it's begging bowl and getting virtually nothing back? Where were the financial institutions when shown the business plan?
The club is only alive in its present form because of the generosity of one man. Otherwise it would have gone slowly but surely down the pan for lack of funds.
So when you see the pro-Albion comments, think "customers", not fans. They'll disappear when the "product" loses its appeal.
Who would have built a Stadium for 22,000 after having only 8,000 without knowing that those fans were still out there?
I went to Gillingham only about half the games but had a season ticket at Withdean, there were 15,000 people after 4,000 tickets for the beginning of the first season home, many gave up trying after a few games and the thought of going to watch Brighton on a Saturday was given up.
Tony Bloom has put faith in the fans returning, but he would know that 30,000 fans travelled to Cardiff for a league 1 play off final and also know the numbers that were applying for tickets at bigger games.
I deliberately kept my son away from the Withdean as I wanted him to be enthused about going to watch Brighton, and get the passion that I have, not turned off as he had been at some of the games there.
Tony Bloom and Dick Knight are to be congratulated along with the other Board members, but those of us that did go to Withdean regularly also need to thank those that came occasionally then, and now come regularly to the Amex, as we would not have built it had they not been there.
The numbers will drop if the football is terrible, but that is no different at any football club.
sdhgfhfuyt
says...
8:18pm Thu 22 Sep 11
'Moustachioed ponce has unrealistic expectations of own abilities'
Mr Know It All
says...
8:57pm Thu 22 Sep 11
ps..answer by the way i think is 'yes'
jackbton88
says...
9:22pm Thu 22 Sep 11
Simster wrote:While this blog writer is far too into himself to write an inciteful piece on this subject, I am also completely astonished by some of those who support his views. While I understand not everyone likes or respects football or footballers which I can understand I think that alot of the opinions posted on here are completely mis-informed.
Rex-Bibendi wrote:I'm sorry Rex, but you're being ridiculous. I have the money to live in Brighthelm, so will do exactly that thankyou very much. Notting Hill was all very well, but the cost of parking was obscene. And it wasn't edgy enough for me, to be honest. No, the real problem here is not me, but silly do-gooders who drag the city through the gutter by changing things for the sake of it. I was drinking my espresso in the North Laine the other day and overheard some clown suggesting that Brighton pier should be changed to Palace Pier. Yeah great idea. Just throw away decades of tradition on a whim. Idiots.Simster wrote: I couldn't agree more, Quentin. When I moved here seven years ago from Notting Hill, there was a real quirky attraction to the place. Now it's being spoilt by the sight of beer-bellied slobs drinking in all those grotty pubs near Brighton station before being carted off cattle class to this monstrosity every Saturday afternoon. Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.If it's no loss to you then please go back to Notting Hill. You're part of the real problem of people watering-down the culture & overpopulating of this town to the point where no locals can even rent a bedsit.
I quoted the above comment as an example of my point. 'Simster' is claiming that the new stadium is ruining the town. But his point about the brighton pier (Originally called the Palace Pier) is proof he knows nothing about the history of brighton so therefore does not understand our town/city properly.
The club has been apart of Brighton for 110 years therefore warrants being a major part of our city. The ridiculous statements of stereotypical views and opinions on the subject should be taken with a pinch of salt as some of the comments made are from people who know nothing about the history of Brighton because most of them are self indulgedent opinions from those who have only recently been a resident of Brighton
Confused of Brighton
says...
12:14am Fri 23 Sep 11
dearie dearie me
says...
12:35am Fri 23 Sep 11
nigeltart
says...
1:14am Fri 23 Sep 11
northlaineslad
says...
6:40am Fri 23 Sep 11
And I know that as an aesthete you would be swoon at the tippy-tappy football now seen in the Moulsecoomb Dome. Senor Poyet is a Borges to the Alan Bennetts of English football. To parse a chant often directed at the socially diverse followers of the Albion...."Yes we like it, oooh yes we like it, oh we like it when they pass".
northlaineslad
says...
6:40am Fri 23 Sep 11
And I know that as an aesthete you would be swoon at the tippy-tappy football now seen in the Moulsecoomb Dome. Senor Poyet is a Borges to the Alan Bennetts of English football. To parse a chant often directed at the socially diverse followers of the Albion...."Yes we like it, oooh yes we like it, oh we like it when they pass".
northlaineslad
says...
6:40am Fri 23 Sep 11
And I know that as an aesthete you would be swoon at the tippy-tappy football now seen in the Moulsecoomb Dome. Senor Poyet is a Borges to the Alan Bennetts of English football. To parse a chant often directed at the socially diverse followers of the Albion...."Yes we like it, oooh yes we like it, oh we like it when they pass".
Vlad the Impala
says...
10:37am Fri 23 Sep 11
Here in Eastbourne, we are plagued by hordes of football club reunions. Only the other day, the remaining players from the 1894 Corinthian Casuals squad were here with their entourage and creating chaos akin to the Mongol hordes of Genghiz Khan cutting a swathe through central Europe.
The promenade was awash with Werthers' wrappers, thermal underwear shops looted, stair lifts thrown out of hotel windows and mobility scooters driven into swimming pools. All in the name of Soccer.
I implore you Brighton, rise up from your Ikea chairs and support Quentin in his quest. His Mot is Juste and more power to his elbow ........... or was it arse? I never could tell the difference!
Vlad the Impala
says...
10:37am Fri 23 Sep 11
Here in Eastbourne, we are plagued by hordes of football club reunions. Only the other day, the remaining players from the 1894 Corinthian Casuals squad were here with their entourage and creating chaos akin to the Mongol hordes of Genghiz Khan cutting a swathe through central Europe.
The promenade was awash with Werthers' wrappers, thermal underwear shops looted, stair lifts thrown out of hotel windows and mobility scooters driven into swimming pools. All in the name of Soccer.
I implore you Brighton, rise up from your Ikea chairs and support Quentin in his quest. His Mot is Juste and more power to his elbow ........... or was it arse? I never could tell the difference!
ham_360
says...
11:02am Fri 23 Sep 11
Shropshire Seagull
says...
11:34am Fri 23 Sep 11
I think that sums up the piece !!
Euly
says...
12:12pm Fri 23 Sep 11
Rex-Bibendi wrote:What complete rubbish the city has not changed that much in seven years, buzz off back to Notting Hill !
Simster wrote: I couldn't agree more, Quentin. When I moved here seven years ago from Notting Hill, there was a real quirky attraction to the place. Now it's being spoilt by the sight of beer-bellied slobs drinking in all those grotty pubs near Brighton station before being carted off cattle class to this monstrosity every Saturday afternoon. Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.If it's no loss to you then please go back to Notting Hill. You're part of the real problem of people watering-down the culture & overpopulating of this town to the point where no locals can even rent a bedsit.
OBrighton64
says...
12:21pm Fri 23 Sep 11
"Liberal. Creative. Brightonian"
Really???
I think you've failed in all 3!!!
amexarena
says...
12:22pm Fri 23 Sep 11
Claude Back
says...
1:54pm Fri 23 Sep 11
Pretentious? Moi?
No proper 'Wordsmith' would say 'cette case' (apart from it being incorrect French) so it really gives the game away that the whole thing is just a 'wind-up'.
retrophunk
says...
2:34pm Fri 23 Sep 11
Simster wrote:Simster....
Rex-Bibendi wrote:I'm sorry Rex, but you're being ridiculous. I have the money to live in Brighthelm, so will do exactly that thankyou very much. Notting Hill was all very well, but the cost of parking was obscene. And it wasn't edgy enough for me, to be honest.
Simster wrote: I couldn't agree more, Quentin. When I moved here seven years ago from Notting Hill, there was a real quirky attraction to the place. Now it's being spoilt by the sight of beer-bellied slobs drinking in all those grotty pubs near Brighton station before being carted off cattle class to this monstrosity every Saturday afternoon. Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.If it's no loss to you then please go back to Notting Hill. You're part of the real problem of people watering-down the culture & overpopulating of this town to the point where no locals can even rent a bedsit.
No, the real problem here is not me, but silly do-gooders who drag the city through the gutter by changing things for the sake of it. I was drinking my espresso in the North Laine the other day and overheard some clown suggesting that Brighton pier should be changed to Palace Pier.
Yeah great idea. Just throw away decades of tradition on a whim. Idiots.
Brighton pier.... Decades of tradition....
Its been informally named Brighton pier since Nobles amusements named it that in the year 2000!! Not quite decades. Before that and since 1891 it was called the palace pier. Also, the "actual" name of the pier is the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier. Do your research.
straycat
says...
3:26pm Fri 23 Sep 11
lmspike
says...
3:35pm Fri 23 Sep 11
SEAGULLS !!
Don Skeddy
says...
4:02pm Fri 23 Sep 11
Afro-tastic gap year?
I think we can all see my point!
Don Skeddy
says...
4:02pm Fri 23 Sep 11
Afro-tastic gap year?
I think we can all see my point!
born again seagull
says...
4:41pm Fri 23 Sep 11
!!
Friend of Carlotta
says...
6:22pm Fri 23 Sep 11
Anyone who buys the Argus would know it isn't printed in the paper. It's under the opinion, satire and whimsy section of Argus blogs.
As entertaining as they are, the angry sports fans are just making fools of themselves.
Pretty Vacant
says...
9:39pm Fri 23 Sep 11
rolivan
says...
10:22pm Fri 23 Sep 11
PressBoxTeaBoy
says...
12:53am Sat 24 Sep 11
Now own up to this rubbish Andy Naylor.
Vince
says...
1:09am Sat 24 Sep 11
Simster wrote:As a professional person from a very creative and successful family, and who's uncle (now deceased) had a first in maths at Oxford Universty, which he later taught at Malvern Public School after a brief career as a professional cricketer with Middlesex before the 2nd World War, and who loved watching the Albion from the early 1930's until 1979 when he died, I take exception to these judgemental and narrow-minded, views which actually show more about the deficiciencies of human nature, than its qualities.
I couldn't agree more, Quentin. When I moved here seven years ago from Notting Hill, there was a real quirky attraction to the place. Now it's being spoilt by the sight of beer-bellied slobs drinking in all those grotty pubs near Brighton station before being carted off cattle class to this monstrosity every Saturday afternoon. Why can't people leave things alone? I tell you what, if anyone even thinks about "regenerating" our beloved West Pier, then I'm moving back to London. I can sell my art and design web sites from anywhere these days you know, so it's no loss to me.
Quentin and Simster condemn themselves by their words as the worst kind of snobs, whose comments actually display a lack of good breeding and manners. My mother's family would never resort to this kind of vulgar repugnant criticism.
familyguy_1234
says...
8:31am Sat 24 Sep 11
For what it's worth, I care not for the stadium. A;though, it seems to me that it will bring a great amount of revenue and interest to the city. If that doesn't please you, then move.
Like it or not Brighton is a capitalist city, and will become increasingly more so, stadium or not.
Ricki Malone
says...
9:05am Sat 24 Sep 11
Quentin, just because the majority of us can’t write our responses to your bigoted assault quite as eloquently as you - does not make our responses any less valid. Had you written your blog about any other section of society - be it Black, Asian or Muslim it would have not have been published and you know that. Your actions are similar to that of a playground bully, picking on those who you don’t consider a threat or capable of fighting back.
Furthermore, your blog is probably the most ill-informed and factually inaccurate description of the modern football experience that I’ve ever read and I’m surprised I’ve even bothered to respond to it. So, I’ll end this post by saying that I’m proud to support BHAFC, I’m proud to have come from the working class and I’ll sleep well at night knowing that I probably pay more in tax each month than you earn as a salary.
Carter_Cooldancer
says...
5:58pm Sat 24 Sep 11
f****** s***** c***
Grendel
says...
8:34am Sun 25 Sep 11
Grendel
says...
8:34am Sun 25 Sep 11
pebble counter
says...
9:43am Sun 25 Sep 11
tom servo wrote:Well I actually never said I was into football, so it isn't hard for me to grasp as you put it. My wife can't stand football, but she sees the good it does for Brighton. If you can't see the benefit of having a stadium of the Amex's magnificence, to the extent that you would like it flattened, then you Tom deserve to see nothing. I hope you go bankrupt and someone flattens you instead.
pebble counter wrote:Well I love Brighton, but I'm not that into football, might be hard for you to grasp but not everyone is. So the statement "Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too" is a ridiculous one. Personally I could not care a less if the team went bankrupt and they flattened the stadium.
Taras Bulba wrote: Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?Maybe, but there are some people who have come to the area who do think they've made Brighton what it is. They don't want to see a football club in the town they have created. If they'd seen the town in the seventies and eighties before they got here, they'd see what a fantastic thing the Amex is, and how the club has evolved into what it is now. Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too.
Busterblister
says...
10:12am Sun 25 Sep 11
pebble counter wrote:"The good it does for Brighton". Care to elaborate?
tom servo wrote:Well I actually never said I was into football, so it isn't hard for me to grasp as you put it. My wife can't stand football, but she sees the good it does for Brighton. If you can't see the benefit of having a stadium of the Amex's magnificence, to the extent that you would like it flattened, then you Tom deserve to see nothing. I hope you go bankrupt and someone flattens you instead.
pebble counter wrote:Well I love Brighton, but I'm not that into football, might be hard for you to grasp but not everyone is. So the statement "Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too" is a ridiculous one. Personally I could not care a less if the team went bankrupt and they flattened the stadium.
Taras Bulba wrote: Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?Maybe, but there are some people who have come to the area who do think they've made Brighton what it is. They don't want to see a football club in the town they have created. If they'd seen the town in the seventies and eighties before they got here, they'd see what a fantastic thing the Amex is, and how the club has evolved into what it is now. Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too.
Busterblister
says...
10:24am Sun 25 Sep 11
Baldseagull wrote:Here are the facts. No Tony Bloom, no Amex. And that was entirely dependent in itself on getting a Labour Minister to completely ignore their own planning regulations. There was no financial institution prepared to lend the money because there was no/insufficient return. That means too few fans and too little total revenue to pay the debt under commercial terms. The fans had little if anything to do with it. The Withdean established that the Albion's core support in terms of season tickets is less than 5000 people. And it took 110 years to build that base. I would imagine the vast majority are just there for mthe game in itself, or to see the opposition.
Busterblister wrote:You're wrong, the club is alive in its present form because of the fans, those that went to the Goldstone, the Priestfield and Withdean and now the Amex.
This is a spoof, but it appears to have flown over the heads of the vast majority of Albion's new found customers.
Of course, now the Amex is open all sorts of people come on here to comment about the Albion's fortune in finding a solitary benefactor and proclaim themselves lifelong fans. But where were they when the team played at The Priestfield and at Withdean and needed paying customers? Where were they when the club was holding out it's begging bowl and getting virtually nothing back? Where were the financial institutions when shown the business plan?
The club is only alive in its present form because of the generosity of one man. Otherwise it would have gone slowly but surely down the pan for lack of funds.
So when you see the pro-Albion comments, think "customers", not fans. They'll disappear when the "product" loses its appeal.
Who would have built a Stadium for 22,000 after having only 8,000 without knowing that those fans were still out there?
I went to Gillingham only about half the games but had a season ticket at Withdean, there were 15,000 people after 4,000 tickets for the beginning of the first season home, many gave up trying after a few games and the thought of going to watch Brighton on a Saturday was given up.
Tony Bloom has put faith in the fans returning, but he would know that 30,000 fans travelled to Cardiff for a league 1 play off final and also know the numbers that were applying for tickets at bigger games.
I deliberately kept my son away from the Withdean as I wanted him to be enthused about going to watch Brighton, and get the passion that I have, not turned off as he had been at some of the games there.
Tony Bloom and Dick Knight are to be congratulated along with the other Board members, but those of us that did go to Withdean regularly also need to thank those that came occasionally then, and now come regularly to the Amex, as we would not have built it had they not been there.
The numbers will drop if the football is terrible, but that is no different at any football club.
Busterblister
says...
10:25am Sun 25 Sep 11
Busterblister
says...
10:25am Sun 25 Sep 11
tom servo
says...
12:03pm Sun 25 Sep 11
pebble counter wrote:Read it again... I never said I would like to see it flattened, I said I couldn't care a less if it was, clearly two different things.
tom servo wrote:Well I actually never said I was into football, so it isn't hard for me to grasp as you put it. My wife can't stand football, but she sees the good it does for Brighton. If you can't see the benefit of having a stadium of the Amex's magnificence, to the extent that you would like it flattened, then you Tom deserve to see nothing. I hope you go bankrupt and someone flattens you instead.
pebble counter wrote:Well I love Brighton, but I'm not that into football, might be hard for you to grasp but not everyone is. So the statement "Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too" is a ridiculous one. Personally I could not care a less if the team went bankrupt and they flattened the stadium.
Taras Bulba wrote: Fantastic and very funny fishing trip here with a bumper catch. Presumably all the people who have taken this seriously and written outraged comments also believe that Alan Partridge is a real ex TV presenter and radio DJ?Maybe, but there are some people who have come to the area who do think they've made Brighton what it is. They don't want to see a football club in the town they have created. If they'd seen the town in the seventies and eighties before they got here, they'd see what a fantastic thing the Amex is, and how the club has evolved into what it is now. Anyone who loves Brighton, would love the club too.
And how do you respond? by saying you hope harm comes to me, I think that says it all, idiot.
tom servo
says...
12:03pm Sun 25 Sep 11
And how do you respond? by saying you hope harm comes to me, I think that says it all, idiot.
I thought
says...
1:36pm Sun 25 Sep 11
douggyFresh
says...
4:35pm Sun 25 Sep 11
AMEX thought it was worth investing in a stadium and they are not known to be wreckless with money.
As for football fans per se and their colours, there is no triblism like there is in Scotland.
This article looks like it was written just to get a reaction and some attention - IMHO.
Baldseagull
says...
5:17pm Sun 25 Sep 11
Busterblister wrote:Tony Bloom is undoubtedly crucial but as I said, he would not have built a 22500 seat stadium with room for expansion if he thought there would only be Withdean sized crowds comingNo Bill Archer and we would still be at the Goldstone, and if my Aunt had balls she'd be my Uncle.
Baldseagull wrote:Here are the facts. No Tony Bloom, no Amex. And that was entirely dependent in itself on getting a Labour Minister to completely ignore their own planning regulations. There was no financial institution prepared to lend the money because there was no/insufficient return. That means too few fans and too little total revenue to pay the debt under commercial terms. The fans had little if anything to do with it. The Withdean established that the Albion's core support in terms of season tickets is less than 5000 people. And it took 110 years to build that base. I would imagine the vast majority are just there for mthe game in itself, or to see the opposition.
Busterblister wrote:You're wrong, the club is alive in its present form because of the fans, those that went to the Goldstone, the Priestfield and Withdean and now the Amex.
This is a spoof, but it appears to have flown over the heads of the vast majority of Albion's new found customers.
Of course, now the Amex is open all sorts of people come on here to comment about the Albion's fortune in finding a solitary benefactor and proclaim themselves lifelong fans. But where were they when the team played at The Priestfield and at Withdean and needed paying customers? Where were they when the club was holding out it's begging bowl and getting virtually nothing back? Where were the financial institutions when shown the business plan?
The club is only alive in its present form because of the generosity of one man. Otherwise it would have gone slowly but surely down the pan for lack of funds.
So when you see the pro-Albion comments, think "customers", not fans. They'll disappear when the "product" loses its appeal.
Who would have built a Stadium for 22,000 after having only 8,000 without knowing that those fans were still out there?
I went to Gillingham only about half the games but had a season ticket at Withdean, there were 15,000 people after 4,000 tickets for the beginning of the first season home, many gave up trying after a few games and the thought of going to watch Brighton on a Saturday was given up.
Tony Bloom has put faith in the fans returning, but he would know that 30,000 fans travelled to Cardiff for a league 1 play off final and also know the numbers that were applying for tickets at bigger games.
I deliberately kept my son away from the Withdean as I wanted him to be enthused about going to watch Brighton, and get the passion that I have, not turned off as he had been at some of the games there.
Tony Bloom and Dick Knight are to be congratulated along with the other Board members, but those of us that did go to Withdean regularly also need to thank those that came occasionally then, and now come regularly to the Amex, as we would not have built it had they not been there.
The numbers will drop if the football is terrible, but that is no different at any football club.
The fans had everything to do with it, the Withdean established that 5,000 would turn up on a cold night even if the football was dire, the atmosphere dead and you got wet if it rained.
There was no financial institution prepared to lend the money as they saw it in the blinkered way that you do. Tony Bloom will do very nicely thank you out of the Amex, if he chooses to, for having the nuts to back his belief.
Here is a clue, all those people you see in blue and white stripes or green and black are there to see Albion.
You lost your Nimby arguments long ago, the Stadium is sold out every week, employs lots of local people and is a source of joy for many.
Baldseagull
says...
5:18pm Sun 25 Sep 11
Busterblister wrote:I know the article is a joke, what you seem to fail to realise is that is taking the mick out of people like you and your ridiculous viewpoint.
I'm still amused at how many soccer fans think this is a serious article.
johnbr
says...
7:36pm Sun 25 Sep 11
hubby
says...
8:33pm Sun 25 Sep 11
Does Brighton need the Liberal Party?
I think I can answer both questions.
pebble counter
says...
9:01pm Sun 25 Sep 11
tom servo wrote:What you said, and I copy it verbatim, Is that personally you could not care a less if the team went bankrupt and they flattened the stadium. It's up there in your comment for everyone to see. Now you want to come across as BHAFC's biggest supporter. Got your number Tom Servo.
Read it again... I never said I would like to see it flattened, I said I couldn't care a less if it was, clearly two different things.
And how do you respond? by saying you hope harm comes to me, I think that says it all, idiot.
tom servo
says...
11:33pm Sun 25 Sep 11
pebble counter wrote:Yes you copied it correctly... but you seem to be having a little trouble with the English language, so let me explain in simple terms so that even you can understand it. Saying that I could not care a less is not the same as wishing it to happen, and no I'm not pretending to be a football fan as I have already stated I am not.
tom servo wrote:What you said, and I copy it verbatim, Is that personally you could not care a less if the team went bankrupt and they flattened the stadium. It's up there in your comment for everyone to see. Now you want to come across as BHAFC's biggest supporter. Got your number Tom Servo.
Read it again... I never said I would like to see it flattened, I said I couldn't care a less if it was, clearly two different things.
And how do you respond? by saying you hope harm comes to me, I think that says it all, idiot.
You should just learn when you have been shown up and cut your losses... your beginning to look like an idiot with sour grapes... see... I've got your number too!
pebble counter
says...
1:06pm Mon 26 Sep 11
I shall say no more on this, everyone can see what you meant. Maybe your username is quite close to your real name and you are worried about your personal security. *rick.
tom servo
says...
1:33pm Mon 26 Sep 11
pebble counter wrote:Yes you're right I think everyone else can see not only what I meant but what I actually said.
I'm having trouble with the English language - but you couldn't care 'a' less. Are you Italian perhaps? I shall say no more on this, everyone can see what you meant. Maybe your username is quite close to your real name and you are worried about your personal security. *rick.
For the record my username is nothing like my real name.... not that is has anything to do with you, but I thought I would point it out as it's yet another thing you are wrong about...... it's all piling up isn't it.
Cabin fever
says...
2:37pm Mon 26 Sep 11
Yet another example of someone that believes he has an exemplary grasp of the English language, but actually falls way short.
And *that's* just the comments from tom servo...
tom servo
says...
4:22pm Mon 26 Sep 11
Cabin fever wrote:;-)
Pompous, patronising and inane ramblings from someone that clearly seems to think he is above everyone, or at least the vast majority, that reads The Argus.
Yet another example of someone that believes he has an exemplary grasp of the English language, but actually falls way short.
And *that's* just the comments from tom servo...
touché
King Biscuit
says...
8:39pm Mon 26 Sep 11
JamPal
says...
10:10pm Mon 26 Sep 11
Don't feed the troll! Unless its a vegan Tofu wrap of course.
Ben Martin
says...
1:33pm Tue 27 Sep 11
11:42am Wed 21 Sep 11
"Quentin - you have a stupid name and even more stupid opinions."
Norman Cook's real name is Quentin.
Ben Martin
says...
1:33pm Tue 27 Sep 11
11:42am Wed 21 Sep 11
"Quentin - you have a stupid name and even more stupid opinions."
Norman Cook's real name is Quentin.
I thought
says...
1:52pm Tue 27 Sep 11
hubby wrote:...or Greens, or so many Homosexual Parades? Cyclists? or Blogs from anonymous cowards... The answer to all of this is of course NO!
Do we need Liberals?
Does Brighton need the Liberal Party?
I think I can answer both questions.
I thought
says...
1:52pm Tue 27 Sep 11
hubby wrote:...or Greens, or so many Homosexual Parades? Cyclists? or Blogs from anonymous cowards... The answer to all of this is of course NO!
Do we need Liberals?
Does Brighton need the Liberal Party?
I think I can answer both questions.
scopey
says...
6:00pm Tue 27 Sep 11
Nor to pay for the police to police them. Or to avoid them all at the station and through the streets.
Scum everywhere.
wippasnapper
says...
10:18am Thu 29 Sep 11
-gendered-arts & crafts city of all creations right across the board some have a big problem with pride others with football, drunken louts/hooligans, cyclists, cars et, et but for many years we have all live happily together we may disagree with this or that I for one do not like drugs in our clubs & pubs & I will do my upmost to report any that I hear about I’m also not a fan of football but football or pride have there rightful place in this city where not some stuck up village in the country side with the birds & bees where a city of all things bright & beautiful, hetero/homosexual what ever you wont to call it, we also have a right to campaign to have our word of what we feel is right or wrong but for those that cant live happily along side our molt-cultural-sexual
-gendered-arts & crafts city should go live in the stuck up village of the birds & bees.
wippasnapper
says...
10:21am Thu 29 Sep 11
-gendered-arts & crafts city of all creations right across the board some have a big problem with pride others with football, drunken louts/hooligans, cyclists, cars et, et but for many years we have all live happily together we may disagree with this or that I for one do not like drugs in our clubs & pubs & I will do my upmost to report any that I hear about I’m also not a fan of football but football or pride have there rightful place in this city where not some stuck up village in the country side with the birds & bees where a city of all things bright & beautiful, hetero/homosexual what ever you wont to call it, we also have a right to campaign to have our word of what we feel is right or wrong but for those that cant live happily along side our molt-cultural-sexual
-gendered-arts & crafts city should go live in the stuck up village of the birds & bees.
halbpro says...
11:11am Wed 21 Sep 11
Additionally why ban football shirts? We have not, as far as I know, had any significant trouble from football fans in recent years, in fact Brighton is pretty trouble free when it comes to football violence. Possibly this is because we only have the one team, so no city derby exists, but still what would be the purpose of banning football shirts? In what way would it make it purer? By pretending the town doesn't have a football team? What good does that do?
Surely if Brighton is to be a wonderful place, and it truly is, it should be a wonderful place for everyone. If football fans were causing trouble in Brighton then I could see the case for some kind of crack down, but in my experience that simply isn't happening.