The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.
I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.
I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.
I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.
And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.
At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.