The Old OOT Debate (sorry)

[Craig_H]

If you choose to go and watch Liverpool then you have to travel long distance. Isn't this your point as to the whole dedication thing?

What I am saying is just because local fans don't have to travel long distnace to support Liverpool it doesn't make them less dedicated than someone who does.

The point i was making, was that for someone 250 miles away, it's a hell of a task to get to games on a regular basis. Those that do it, are hugely dedicated in choosing to undertake this regularly.

I'm not saying local fans are less dedicated because they're local. I imagine that a fair portion of them may not go to as many games though, IF they had to travel that kind of distance every week, through various reasons such as financial constraints, family commitments and, in some cases, it will be a lack of dedication.

[Craig_H]

Don't have a car mate, Living in London so don't really see the point. I had a look at rental before but it cost like £40+ then there's the petrol, and the time it takes to get there. it takes 30-40 mins to mine to euston then 2 hours on the train, in the car it takes at least an hour to get out of London.

If i was in your position, i would scout around and try to find people who live near you who are going to the games, and see if you can get a lift with them, contribute half the petrol - and it'd be easy for you, far cheaper than the train and hotel, and it'd halve the petrol costs of the other person.

[Rowan]

If i was in your position, i would scout around and try to find people who live near you who are going to the games, and see if you can get a lift with them, contribute half the petrol - and it'd be easy for you, far cheaper than the train and hotel, and it'd halve the petrol costs of the other person.

Or local supporter clubs is another good one. The North East club hires a bus for all games and so only costs about £15 to travel. Plus most get preferential ticket allocations

List of supporters clubs is \/

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/fans/membership/aib-association-of-international-branches/region/1/england

[poorscousertommy]

The point i was making, was that for someone 250 miles away, it's a hell of a task to get to games on a regular basis. Those that do it, are hugely dedicated in choosing to undertake this regularly.

I'm not saying local fans are less dedicated because they're local. I imagine that a fair portion of them may not go to as many games though, IF they had to travel that kind of distance every week, through various reasons such as financial constraints, family commitments and, in some cases, it will be a lack of dedication.

It is dedication undertaking this task mate. I know, I do it.

Family commitments and financial constraints would stop some people. It has me at times. I don't doubt that some people would say they can't be arsed with the journey though. Especially when playing a Fulham or someone on a rainy Saturday early kick off that is on Sky. There are plenty of OOT fans and locals who are the same with that.

It's the use of a lable that I don't like here. I am a Scouser who has a season ticket and you are from elsewhere who (I am presuming) travels to most games. Whether OOT or local just leave it at the fact that we are all dedicated fans.

[poorscousertommy]

Or local supporter clubs is another good one. The North East club hires a bus for all games and so only costs about £15 to travel. Plus most get preferential ticket allocations

This takes it back to El Diegos point about locals saying they find it harder to get tickets. This is the only excuse they can use.

Otherwise everyone is in the same boat.

[Red_Polo]

Local people who support the team only do so because it's convinient and they can't be bothered to travel outside their own city to see a match. The real fans are those from OOT who have made the rational and thought out decision to support the team based on a number of reasoned factors, as opposed to those who folow them blindly because they can't be arsed to make a proper choice.

If you ask me local people should be banned from attending home games and all tickets should be reserved for those with dedication from outside the area.

I agree, hence why I posted that it dodn't matter if your a local or an OOT. I just made the point that if there was to be any arguable difference it would be the ties to the City also.

Thing is, you can't fairly measure that identity issue against being an OOT, let alone measure it against what kind of Liverpool fan it makes you. There are naturally people in Liverpool with relatively insubstantial ties to the city, people who live there but would not identify themselves as Scouse, people who do share that identity but support clubs we love to boo off the park etc etc

My point is, essentially, any argument for OOTs being more this or less that is idiotic because every person's circumstances is unique in a way that belonging to some category ignores, and it succeeds only in causing bitterness and division.

[Craig_H]

It is dedication undertaking this task mate. I know, I do it.

Family commitments and financial constraints would stop some people. It has me at times. I don't doubt that some people would say they can't be arsed with the journey though. Especially when playing a Fulham or someone on a rainy Saturday early kick off that is on Sky. There are plenty of OOT fans and locals who are the same with that.

It's the use of a lable that I don't like here. I am a Scouser who has a season ticket and you are from elsewhere who (I am presuming) travels to most games. Whether OOT or local just leave it at the fact that we are all dedicated fans.

That is precisely the point i was making, and it applies equally to people who live in the south, who 'cant be bothered' to go to home games, as well as locals who maybe 'couldnt be bothered' to get down to Portsmouth for a 12:45pm kickoff when that happened.

It's not about local or OOTer. It's about people who claim to be 'real fans' and who CAN go to the games, CAN afford the time and money and DONT have family commitments which stop them - but CHOOSE not to go, simply because it's a bit of effort. Those are the ones who i dont consider to be real dedicated fans. Whether they are local, out of town, out of country or whatever.

[Red_Polo]

It's the use of a lable that I don't like here.

[Craig_H]

This takes it back to El Diegos point about locals saying they find it harder to get tickets. This is the only excuse they can use.

Otherwise everyone is in the same boat.

It's still bollocks. I've never had my tickets off a supporters club and i've always managed to get them when i've wanted them.

Anyone, local or OOTer can get a membership, make the effort to know when tickets go on sale and get up in the morning to login and buy them.

Piece of piss.

[El Diego]

quick question is there a Liverpool supporters club in Liverpool?? or is it everyman for himself?

[Craig_H]

There is a Merseyside branch, yes.

[The Birdman]

It's still bollocks. I've never had my tickets off a supporters club and i've always managed to get them when i've wanted them.

Anyone, local or OOTer can get a membership, make the effort to know when tickets go on sale and get up in the morning to login and buy them.

Piece of piss.

Exactly right, I had my 'All Red' membership reminder come through and wanted to check if it was still valid and also buy tickets for the Eurpoa League match on Thursday as my son is up with me during the school holidays, I have tried at all times every single day this week to speak to someone in the ticket office or on the membership option offered by the automated ticket line but all I get is "We're busy, call back".

I couldn't buy them on line as I can't remember my password and it wouldn't let me re-register because my details are already on the system!!!

Had to wait until general sale and buy them on line in my Missus' name.

[BobTheCharmer]

It's still bollocks. I've never had my tickets off a supporters club and i've always managed to get them when i've wanted them.

Anyone, local or OOTer can get a membership, make the effort to know when tickets go on sale and get up in the morning to login and buy them.

Piece of piss.

it's not though is it?

I used to be lucky enough to have a boss that would let me stay on the phone all morning hitting redial. I would always get tickets but it could take several hours. That was about 15 years ago. Then the PTS came out and it was a similar situation only quicker. But out of the 4 of us that used to go to games it was only me that was able to do the calling as one of my mates was a brickie, the other a roofer and another a factory worker plus lizzie would sometimes come and she was a call girl.

Now, I doubt very much if my current boss would allow me time to try for hours either online or by phone.

So it can be relatively easy but it depends on your work situation for one. You shouldn't assume just because you have no problems its the same for everyone.

I also used to go to away games in the Liverpool end, haven't managed to get a ticket for years now. As for a cup final, I'm 34 and haven't even been close.

[BrooklynRed]

Reece:

GREAT avatar. Our American pop genius.

[Reece]

Reece:

GREAT avatar. Our American pop genius.