Club nicknames

: Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:30 pm

j_hunter_hkr wrote:

Take it to it's extreme and clubs could be know just by their nicknames and their city be secondary. That would make it a lot easier for franchises to be moved around the country like in American Football, eg. Birmingham Bulls, Dublin Dragons, etc...

I can't see that ever happening, but you never know...

I think the British sporting culture will put paid to the idea franchises being able to chop and change towns or cities. British spectators tend to support either the successful teams of that era or their local side. IMO they are not one to support a side which has been thrust upon them with little heritage or with no ties to the place they are meant to represent. I dare say British support isn’t as shallow as American support meaning the chances of a relocated franchise becoming successful are slim in this country. MK Dons appear to be having some relative success in spite of this attitude but I think they are benefiting from the sport they are playing.

As for the club I support. I hate the name Wildcats, it represents everything that is bad about copying American sports, but as I wonder round with my replica shirt on the kids are full of enthusiasm and instantly recognise the top as a ‘Wildcats’ top. I suspect that these are the people the name is hoping to attract, not older, already converted supporters such as myself.