The Fighting Cock by Martin Cloake
There are some great independent Spurs blogs and podcasts being produced at the moment and I always try to make my small contribution to raising their profile when I can. Lately I’ve been picking up on The Fighting Cock and the 1882 movement. I’ve followed a couple of the lads involved on Twitter and recognise some names from back in the day on the old TopSpurs message board, and there’s a real energy to what they are doing.
I’m going to sound as old as I feel when I’m listening to the podcast now but it’s really encouraging to hear what sounds like a new generation creating something and questioning the blandification of modern football. The Fighting Cock is above all passionate about Spurs, but there’s a recognition of the bigger picture that chimes with a growing feeling that’s coalescing around the Stand Against Modern Football initiative. Having come from a generation at Spurs that, despite our fanzine experience and efforts with various independent supporter initiatives, has not really made the impression we once thought we could, what’s most encouraging is the can-do spirit that pervades The Fighting Cock crew. They are a reminder of what football supporters are capable of, and of a spirit that is, in one of the great Steve Perryman’s favourite words, “proper”.
Meat Men Facing the Chop
Yes, the end is nigh for The Fighting Cock’s adopted southern African team, Botswana Meat Commission FC. As the name suggests, the team is backed by the Botswana Meat Commission, a state-owned company that oversees the country’s beef industry. Unfortunately, the Commission is in financial meltdown and is the subject of a parliamentary inquiry where, like Jack Wilshere in a fighter jet, the accusations are flying thick and fast. Charges include corruption, mismanagement, racial discrimination and embezzlement. Witnesses including BMC insiders and former president of Botswana Sir Ketumile Masire have given evidence to the select committee. A picture is emerging […]
Ban the bomb?
This article originally appeared on the FSF website. Despite being prohibited by both law and ground regulations, you’ll have noticed that the use of flares, smoke bombs and firecrackers is on the increase at matches. Many fans, young and old, like them and feel they contribute to the atmosphere, but just as many don’t appreciate the possible danger they pose. The FSF’s Caseworker Amanda Jacks looks at the potential consequences of using pyrotechnics. Back in February a young teenager died after being hit in the face by a firework in Bolivia which had been thrown by fans into the away […]
A United Front
More than anything else, I will remember the 2012/13 season for the biggest divide amongst supporters of Tottenham Hotspur I can recall in all my 25+ years of following the club. Whilst a large proportion of the fanbase have been won over by AVB’s passion and modern thinking, despite a sceptical start, there is still a prominent voice of resentment towards him following the removal of Harry Redknapp. Perhaps though Tottenham fans have always been this divided, and the growing influence of social media and online discussion serves only highlight this division in a way that wasn’t possible before. Personally […]