So this is what it's like to support West Ham, huh?
Funny story, at least I think so.
American here. A few years ago, I was in London and I wanted to see a Premier League game—any Premier League game—and we wound up at West Ham.
It wasn’t a great match, but since I'd seen them in person I started following the team. I wasn't truly a fan—watched a lot of other games too, but I paid attention.
Of course, they got relegated. And I felt like I wasn't totally committed so I could move on.
But something came over me recently and I told my wife:
>“Screw it. WHTID. When they make it back, it will be fun to say I paid for an extra TV subscription just to watch them in the EFL Championship.”
Honestly, my explanation was a lot longer than that, but she isn't really into sports and doesn't care except that I care. Still, my birthday is coming up and I am notoriously hard to buy for, so I now expect a ton of West Ham merch.
Also, I don’t know another West Ham supporter personally, which makes it kind of fun. Everyone I know supports Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Man City or Fulhamerica
But I thought, heck with it. I’m in. So, today—of all days!—was the first time I sat down in my West Ham sweatshirt to watch, feeling like a true (if new) supporter.
Is this what it's like?
(By the way, after Argentina against England in the World Cup, haven’t we all learned never to sit back on a 1–0 lead?)
Anyway, I’m in now regardless. Maybe someday it will pay off! I've got a long history of choosing the triumph of hope over experience.
Come on you Irons!