Why does anyone support a specific football club? There are different reasons why a fan decides to get behind a team. It may be that their passion for a club has been passed down from their parents, and they fell in love with their side when their father first took them to a game.
Other supporters may be taken with a specific player: A flamboyant star like Dennis Bergkamp who lights up the pitch with their entertaining style of play. It could also be due to a regional proximity to the club.
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Then there are the glory hunters. That group of fans who follow and like to bet on the most successful clubs at the time. Those who, like Arsenal, will currently be listed among the favourites at sites such as Unibet Ireland. The teams go on to convert and win trophies, and the fans like to enjoy betting for the same success. Arsenal have attracted all of those fans in their history, but how has that fanbase evolved?
Crossing Over
Arsenal tested its early regional fanbase when the club made the move from South to North London in 1913. This was a relatively short hop across the river Thames, and with good transport links in place, even in those days, Arsenal’s regional fanbase largely continued to provide its passion and loyal support.
From that point onwards, the Gunners were about to enjoy a sustained period of success.
The Trophy Years – Part One
Arsenal were the team of the 1930s, lifting several major trophies under their legendary manager Herbert Chapman. The decade would also prove to be a turning point in terms of the club’s fanbase, and many early glory hunters attached themselves to the team.
Starting with the FA Cup win of 1930, Arsenal won two FA Cups, and no fewer than five first division titles. Arsenal also added five Charity Shields to their trophy cabinet.
While the term ‘glory hunter’ carries negative connotations, the fans drawn to the 1930s team provided a legacy. This is the point from where Arsenal’s fanbase began to enjoy generational support, and many sons, daughters and grandchildren of those 1930s fans are still on board.
The Dour Years
It’s fair to say that Arsenal haven’t always been seen as a flamboyant team. For the second half of the 20th century, the Gunners began to develop a reputation for dour football that has dogged them for several decades.
The club didn’t pack the side with flamboyant players. The possible exception was Charlie George, but he may have been singled out simply because of his long hair. It may not have been exciting, but Arsenal got the job done. The club won the double in 1970/71 with George scoring the winner in the cup final against Liverpool.
A second FA Cup trophy arrived in 1979, while the late eighties and early nineties saw manager George Graham lead the team to more silverware. Any new glory hunters were drawn back to the Gunners.
Wenger’s Arsenal
The Arsene Wenger era produced more success, but this time there were certain players who stood out. Arsenal continued to play as a team, but in Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, there were flair players that youngsters latched onto.
For arguably the first time in the club’s history, Arsenal were attracting fans because of certain players.
Mikel Arteta’s current Arsenal team is a mix of characters. It relies on a fanbase that has evolved over the years, and it will look for added success that will attract more supporters.
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