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The Fan
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The collective name for Scotland's travelling supporters, the term was first used in the early 1970s and took to the global stage at the 1978 World Cup - there was even a novelty pop song called ‘Ally’s Tartan Army’ celebrating the team and its manager Ally MacLeod. They show up to matches in kilts, face paint, and full tartan regalia often even including bag pipes. The Tartan Army has a reputation that goes beyond football; they're consistently voted among the friendliest away supporters at major tournaments, more likely to be sharing a beer with locals than causing trouble.
The Tartan Army took over Boston and the nearby city of Providence during the 2026 World Cup, 28 years since their last appearance at the tournament. They charmed locals with their good natured spirit and incredible marching through the streets. Listening to the Tartan Army singing Flower of Scotland is a spiritual experience.
That intense feeling, the sound, the colour, the vibes. An electric atmosphere that ripples in and around the stadium in the build-up to a massive game like a semi-final of a European competition, a cup final, or the final day of a league season with something on the line.
There are few places that bring the noise and a big match atmosphere than Anfield under the lights on a big European night. Teams fear facing Liverpool away.
Functionally the new champions in all but name, the champions-elect describes a team that is significantly ahead in their league with a points advantage that will be difficult to overcome by competing teams.
Bayern Munich are so dominant in the Bundesliga again, they are already champions-elect by October each season!
A derogatory term used by rival fans to describe a traditionally big club who is currently a laughing stock. This could be a club that has gone years without winning anything (Everton since 1995), a chaotic ownership that churns through managers and players with no clear plan (Chelsea), or a previous giant that can't find that winning formula they once dominated with (Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson). See also, Spursy...
Seven managers, over a £billion spent on players, two owners who can't stand each other. Chelsea have gone from European Champions and title-chasers to a banter club struggling in mid-table.
The temporary entitlement of fans of a winning team over the opposing set of fans after a victory in a big match. Often associated with derby matches and historical rivalries, a win for one team gives their fans bragging rights over their rivals until the next time they meet. It gives fans the chance to 'banter' through chants such as 'this city is ours' or 'can we play you every week'?.
Did you see how happy the Sunderland fans were after beating Newcastle in the Wear-Tyne Derby? They've now got bragging rights over their neighbours!