The Gator
Footballguy
This could help?While I agree with the sentiment - I think many european towns/cities identify with their club the way many Americans might identify with their college. Not many people are as passionate about their professional sports teams.I remember being in Córdoba when they were promoted to the 2nd Division 7 years ago. They whole city was excited and partying on the streets. This year they are playing in the 1st division after finishing 7th and winning the playoff. When they scored the winning goal, fans invaded the pitch. Promotion/regulation is very exciting.
The reward last place with a high draft pick standard breeds mediocrity. American sports want everyone to be .500 and have a chance; so what's to get passionate about? That's also why college sports are better fan-wise imo. The Big colleges are like the big clubs in soccer, they're SUPPOSED to win, so fans get fired up for it. It's also great when they lose to a non ranked team and why smaller schools get excited to.
I heard an interview with Bedoya and he talked about how the mentality of players playing to stay up is a positive effect on the game. I don't see how that's a bad thing.