While every team in the UK has its fair share of fanatical fans, which fans really stand out as being the most loyal, the most passionate..?
We take a look at the top ten teams from around the UK… in no particular order here but all deserving recognition for the devotion and passion of their fan base!
Liverpool
Although the European glory days may be too far distant to be remembered by younger fans, you’d be hard pressed to find supporters more vocal and consistent than Liverpool’s. The club has one of the highest average home attendance rates among clubs in Europe, and when the Kop at Anfield is in full song there are few more inspiring sporting arenas in the world.
West Ham United
The Hammers are renowned for the passion of their fans, albeit a passion which might occasionally spill over into not entirely legal behaviour! West Ham fans are in it for the long run, and are devoted to this East London club heart and soul.
Celtic FC
Celtic fans’ passion for the club is fuelled to a large extent by the intense rivalry with neighbours Rangers. The two clubs form The Old Firm in Scotland and between them have won nearly 100 Scottish league championships, but one visit to Celtic Park and fans of the Bhoys will leave you in doubt as to where their loyalty lies.
Manchester City
Although the club’s reputation for spending huge sums of money has been given much coverage in recent years, most of the fans at Manchester City have been loyally supporting the club since long before the Abu Dhabi United Group started ploughing money in back in 2008. City’s FA cup win in 2011 finally signalled the end of the club’s trophy drought, and the devotion and passion of its longsuffering fans was rewarded.
Cardiff City FC
Having the biggest attendance of any club in Wales isn’t everything, but fortunately Cardiff City’s fans combine their numbers with great enthusiasm. If you’re in any doubt about the passion of The Bluebirds’ fan base, a visit to any home game will dispel any doubts!
Manchester United
Ah the Red Devils. While many might question the motivations behind the enormous and global fan base of this football behemoth, their passion for the club cannot be denied. The MUFC brand may be a worldwide phenomenon attracting a Facebook following of over 20 million, but the diehard supporters cheer their team on come rain or shine.
Chelsea
Chelsea fans rarely get the blues, giving their team resounding support at every game. This Fulham club and its Stamford Bridge ground are an integral part of the local community, inspiring lifelong devotion among fans both young and old.
Swansea City
Swansea City fans have enjoyed a real roller-coaster ride with their club over the years, but they remain the only Welsh team to have ever played in the English Premier League. The passion and support of the fans has cheered them into an excellent run of form since moving to the Liberty Stadium in 2005.
Rangers FC
Rangers fans have had plenty to cheer about over the years, winning an incredible 54 League Chamionships – more top-flight titles than any other club in the world. Despite a few rocky patches of late, the clubs supporters remain resolute in support of the Gers, and their pride and fervour is sure to spur their team on to ever greater exploits.
Newcastle United
One truly soccer-mad city, Newcastle’s biggest team enjoys the total devotion of a significant proportion of residents. Come derby day, Newcastle United’s clashes with Sunderland are a serious demonstration of the fierce rivalry and intense pride of the Toon Army supporters.
Honourable mention:
John Portsmouth Football Club Westwood
As single fans go this chap is pretty remarkable. A lifelong supporter of Portsmouth Football Club, He changed his name in 1989 to include the name of his beloved team. He has 60 Portsmouth-related tattoos, ‘PFC’ engraved on his teeth and the club crest shaved into his hair… he’s pretty passionate!
On the other hand, if all this talk of UK football just makes you want to escape the country all the more, there are plenty of bargain holidays around this year for passionate fans of sun, sea and fun abroad!
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when man city went down to division 1,the old third division…we still got crowds of 37,000 a week,every week….true loyalty
Why aren’t LUFC on this list????
how are Chelsea in this and not Leeds