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A Tottenham Philosophy

3 min read
by The Fighting Cock
Some things are more important than winning. It took me a long time to figure that out. As an American sports fan, you’re ingrained with the idea that if you’re not first, you’re last. And, being a Cleveland fan in every major sport, I was last every single year of my life. Even when we […]

Some things are more important than winning. It took me a long time to figure that out.

As an American sports fan, you’re ingrained with the idea that if you’re not first, you’re last. And, being a Cleveland fan in every major sport, I was last every single year of my life. Even when we got agonisingly close to a title, there was little in it for me except the cold hard reality that I supported a losing team and would probably do so for the rest of my life so what was the point? Yeah, there’s the hope before every season that maybe, just maybe your team will win it all, only to be smacked in the face midway through. Disinterest settled in. The problem is that even though I lived very close to Cleveland, I never felt connected to them. They were just there for my entertainment and nothing else.

With that said, I (literally) stumbled upon Spurs during summer of 2005, I was caught up in the atmosphere, the wonder, and the genuine excitement of discovering something completely foreign to me. SOCCER. Don’t worry, that word left my vernacular very soon after. As an American, trying to wrap your mind around a game that can end in a draw was ludicrous, and actually SINGING at a match? HA! But, the more I watched, the more I became involved and understanding of the game itself. Once Spurs chose me to support them, I was in head first with reckless abandon. And what a first season it was! Being top 4 until LasagnaGate, watching Robbie Keane dazzle us all, and even almost witnessing a touchline brawl between Big Martin Jol & Arsene Wenger. I remember being disappointed at finishing 5th. Little did I truly understand how dire the previous decade had been.

[linequote]The more I listened, the more my philosophy on football changed. Over the next year, I began to reevaluate what it was to be a Tottenham Hotspur supporter.[/linequote]

The next several seasons saw some high highs and low lows. ‘Such is the life of a Spurs supporter’, I’d been told at the start of my football watching life. He wasn’t wrong. I was wrapped up in transfer dealings, managerial goings on, which players wanted out, ITK b*ll**ks, and everything else surrounding the team. I was more concerned about winning at all costs than anything else. After the Berbatov saga, I lost the plot a bit. I didn’t care where we bought our players from, as long as they could help us win. Gallas was a Gooner? So what? He could help the back line. RVP? Yeah, I’d have him. I was becoming amoral in my need for glory.

Then, a startup podcast that sounded like something taped in a back alley popped up called The Fighting Cock. After I brushed aside images of knife-wielding penises, I decided to give it a listen. The more I listened, the more my philosophy on football changed. Over the next year, I began to reevaluate what it was to be a Tottenham Hotspur supporter. I asked myself why I loved this club. And I came to one conclusion; It’s about the people. The community. The idea that no matter where you are, there might just be another Spurs fan not too far away from you. The idea that there are true heroes to be held in high esteem and with one magical quote, can give you an entire life philosophy from a few sentences. People like Bill Nicholson, Keith Burkinshaw, Gary Mabbutt and more recently Ledley King. The glorious moments watching the genius of Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne, and David Ginola. Even with Berbatov you knew you were watching something special. The result almost becomes secondary. The pride of knowing you support an amazing club with amazing fans is what really matters to me. I look at Tottenham in such a different light compared to the end of the 2010-11 seasons. I thank The Fighting Cock for giving me a completely different perspective on Tottenham that someone in Ohio wouldn’t be able to get without actually living over there. For me, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s simply about being Spurs.

[author name=”MikeinParma” avatar=”https://www.thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/download/file.php?avatar=202_1319940037.jpg” twitter=”mikeinparma” website=”” tag=”mikeinparma[/linequote]

All views and opinions expressed in this article are the views and opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of The Fighting Cock. We offer a platform for fans to commit their views to text and voice their thoughts. Football is a passionate game and as long as the views stay within the parameters of what is acceptable, we encourage people to write, get involved and share their thoughts on the mighty Tottenham Hotspur.

19 Comments

  1. Colin SC
    09/07/2012 @ 1:21 pm

    All good, and that’s from an Aussie that went to school with glen hoddle

  2. AlphaT
    09/07/2012 @ 1:32 pm

    Love the passion, love the article, love the club, the shirt, the fans! COYS! TTID!

  3. BillyTheYid
    09/07/2012 @ 1:59 pm

    Spot on mate Supporting spurs is different to any other club in the world and ever since my dad bought me a tottenham shirt when i was 8, i havn’t and never will regret it. COYS!

  4. shannon
    09/07/2012 @ 2:04 pm

    Now you’ve gone and made me cry

  5. davspurs
    09/07/2012 @ 2:12 pm

    Now you no what its like to be adopted by a Cockerel steeped in first 1st Double 1st Ufa 1st to steal my heart from Utd Liverpool Everton Man City clutches all surrounding Davspurs home in Widnes a Rugby League Town .When i first seen them my heart was stolen forever and still today its still in the hand of or golden Cockerel sitting high above our spiritual home. There has been many times over my 50 years when the ten year old the speed of Ronaldo and the skill of Messi dreaming of donning the Mighty Cockerel there was no sponsors in those days but sadly aged 16 my knee got damaged then my other knee and my dream was over and now my dream is my beloved team watching some of the best fast attacking football in the premiership and in my eyes far better than pas pas pas i cant bore you with 600 passes so i wont Barcelona and Spain. The football they play has me yawning the swift marauding Bale and Lennon has me drooling at the mouth waiting for the next attack. When we had Hudds in his best form pre ankle we had a quarter back a wizard and two formula ones creating some wonderful swift attacks and great goals. Even in the dark days we stiil played the Tottenham way not the same quality but the same way and long may it continue Avb is a lucky man to to be captain of a luxury Liner like Spurs and its exciting future lets hope he keeps away from icebergs and rocks and steers us into paradise and beyond

  6. Woodsy
    09/07/2012 @ 2:17 pm

    I remember when Harry got frustrated because the fans kept singing about “Suuuuuper, Super Pav!”. He never quite got that being a Spurs fan means accepting the ups and downs and cheering no matter what’s happening. That everlasting, naive hope makes supporting the club fun.

  7. John
    09/07/2012 @ 2:26 pm

    Great article buddy, just added you to twitter aswell. Will look forward to reading more articles from yourself… Spurs 4 life

  8. Seth
    09/07/2012 @ 2:40 pm

    I’m also an American who stumbled onto Spurs serendipitously (a few years later), and could tell much the same story (but not as well!). Part of the draw, for those of us who are just getting caught up, is how connected the community is with the club. I grew up in Atlanta, which is a city that for many years was populated mostly by transplants. The local teams got very little support because most sports fans came from other places and stayed fans of their own home teams. I moved to the Philadelphia area about ten years ago, and it’s exactly opposite here. People live and die (well, almost) by the success of the teams here, but as a result the demands and expectations are so high that nobody is ever happy–even when they win.

    Aside from loving what Spurs do on the pitch, the love and loyalty that supporters show is what’s best about one of you.

  9. oldgitvic
    09/07/2012 @ 2:43 pm

    Great article, well written. It also forces me to re-evaluate what it means to be a Spurs fan.
    I’m from a generation who supported whatever team your Dad told you to or be smothered. Fortunately for me that was Spurs, despite the fact that his brother was an Arsenal fan! Yes, you;re thinking why wasn’t one of them smothered by their father. My grandfather was a Spurs man and my Arsenal supporting uncle was brought up by maiden aunts in Islington.
    However, apart from self preservation, why Spurs? Why any team? Do most fans think that their team is uniquely defined by their supporters? Well yes, they are. In the old days (mine) it was geographical and family reasons. Naturally, that afforded a certain kinship but as audiences became more diverse and the media brought the game into homes nationwide and worldwide, it was more about choice, or adoption as you said Mike.
    And Spurs fans, apart from the small expected percentage of tossers, just seem to radiate a level of intelligence, wit and acceptance that draws in like minded souls.
    In my day, it was easy to be a Spurs fan, we just kept winning, but latterly it’s not the winning that brings you back, it’s the style. Spurs will always have that “Je ne sais pas” panache and cavalier attitude. Welcome aboard Mike and thank you Dad.

  10. Johan Diego
    09/07/2012 @ 3:37 pm

    Great article buddy, keep up the good work! COYS

  11. David Graniewitz
    09/07/2012 @ 3:58 pm

    Great article mate. As a fan who has lived abroad for most of his life (though unlike you my love for Spurs began in England) I echo your sentiments about the FightingCock podcast. Because of it I felt this year that I was part of something special and have been for around 40 years although I never appreciated it.

  12. Brad Collins
    09/07/2012 @ 5:12 pm

    Spot on. As a Canadian Spurs supporter this article rings true on so many levels. For similar reasons I fell in love with Spurs and haven’t looked back since. The cultural differences are massive and I think if more North Americans understood the Spurs philosophy they would fall in love with the club too. It seems to me that ‘following’ or ‘cheering’ for clubs like Utd and Chelsea is very much catered to the typical North American sports fan. It’s refreshing to see there are others out there that realize its about more then winning and glory.

  13. Alexandre
    09/07/2012 @ 5:36 pm

    Great article. It echoes so much I felt for Tottenham Hotspur when I first saw them playing FA Cup final back in 1981. Being a brazilian kid used to watch the likes of Zico, Socrates and Falcao playing, I was quite demanding whenever it came to true talent in football. Decades later, I still feel connected to these lads in white shirts showing everybody how the game is supposed to be played. In these marketing-oriented Champions League days, when it is easy to bump into some Arsenal, Chelsea or United fan, created by overwhelming TV exposure and no soul identification, being a Spurs fan is utterly refreshing. It makes you somebody different, less arrogant, less narrow minded…but confident of being part of something perennial and passionate.

  14. dan yiddo
    09/07/2012 @ 5:44 pm

    YID AAAAAAARRMY!

  15. Yid1882
    09/07/2012 @ 6:59 pm

    All Spurs fans want us to win obviously! And we all want us to win in the ”great Tottenham way” brilliant clever football, without putting the club in a financial suicide position.
    Because the club comes first, If we lose we get down for a day or two, but are then straight back to concentrating on the next game!
    If we are top of the league or bottom of the league we are still Tottenham Hotspur and still the best club in the world, no matter what!
    Maybe not in terms of tittles won or FA cups etc, But we are the worlds best football club because of us fans and our love of the club & It’s great traditions.
    On saying that we seem to be very close to being the TOP club, and to manage that without splashing out silly money on silly players Is something for us all to be very proud of, as we all our!
    Up the mighty Spurs! TTID!! COYS!!! Yids!!!

  16. BazSpur
    09/07/2012 @ 7:16 pm

    Great Article. I could very well have supported Arsenal as my brother was a gooner. and he kept pressuring me to go to the old Highbury with him to watch Arsenal and I was giving it serious thought when one of my mates asked me to go to the next Spurs home game with him. So, that Saturday i walked onto The Park Lane which in those days was still terracing. I was 19 years old and I was hooked straight away. The Atmosphere the singing and the football just blew me away. That was in 1968 and all these years later The Famous Tottenham Hotspur are still in my blood. I have seen the ups and downs over the years and my love of Spurs is still as strong as ever. TTID, COYS, CSWY.

  17. Tim Green
    09/07/2012 @ 8:27 pm

    Spot on. 40 years ago I was growing up amongst mainly Celtic, Man Utd and Liverpool in Belfast. For some reason I choose Spurs and have never regretted it. Nothing like being at W.H.L. should it be Inter Milan or away to Carlisle in the League cup. Keep the faith,
    West Belfast Spur.

  18. Jon Croy
    13/07/2012 @ 2:44 pm

    I feel the same way. I stumbled upon the Spurs last year after looking for a team to call my “own.” I grew up in Georgia being an Atlanta sports fan which is very tough. Also, as Seth mentioned, the city has no loyalty since no body seems to actually be from Atlanta. But, the community you feel with the Spurs is fantastic. I can’t wait to ride the “ups and downs” next year.

    COYS!

  19. Eastside Steve
    21/07/2012 @ 12:55 am

    Great original post and responses all.

    I am native of Sydney, Australia but have been a Spurs supporter for more than 40 years. i got hooked whilst watching the great Jimmy Greaves, Pat Jennings, Alan Mullery, Alan Gilzean etc on “Match of the Day” with Brian Moore hosting on black and white television in the very late sixties. I was playing rugby league as a kid in a town where “soccer” was played and watched exclusively by post-war European immigrants.

    But the terraces, the songs (COME ON YOOOOO SPURRRRRRS!!!!) and the football were intoxicating.

    Even in black and white.

    Being immersed in British rock and comedy culture helped seal the deal. As did the signing of Martin Peters from the Hammers – who was my favourite player to watch (even though the great Jimmy went the other way).

    I later lobbed in the UK in April 1982 and when QPR equalised in the dying minutes of the FA Cup final only weeks later, I was strangely excited – only minutes after being crushed. Could I actually get a ticket to the replay?

    YES!!!

    Being at Wembley on that Thursday night, in the centenary year, watching my footballing hero Glen Hoddle slot the penalty, the great Steve Perryman lifting the Cup, floating out of magical Wembley singing “when Steve went up, to lift the FA Cup – we were there” …..while England were at war.

    Ironically for Spurs fans – against Argentina!!!!

    Surreal.

    I still pinch myself 30 years on (our semi final loss this year was therefore particularly painful).

    If only I’d been there a year earlier to witness the golden goal from Ricky Villa against Citeh. How the wheel turns….

    I’ve loved the last few years watching most games at ungodly hours with my 20 year old son – who has been appropriately indoctrinated!

    I loved Harry – but he was found badly wanting tactically at the business end last season with his one philosophy.

    AVB will uphold our attacking traditions and add some B, C and D plans.

    But I’m most thrilled about the prospect of any combination of Brad, Lloris, Walker, Benny, Daws, Caulker, Raging and particularly Vertonghen – this guy can PLAY – camped behind Sandro.

    Clean sheets galore and a great platform to really challenge I say.

    Thanks for the opportunity to write this – and keep up the great work everyone.

    I really feel that our time has come – again.

    COYS!!!!

    Eastside

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