You're right, the whole make up of the support now has changed so much over the last 15-20 years. I don't think it's just us suffering from this by the way. I'll probably get shot down in flames for this but I honestly mean no harm, it's just that the support is now predominantly more 'middle class', more affluent now. A lot more families who don't want to hear the bad language and have their view blocked. A lot of the newer, post 2002 Albion fans have never really witnessed the proper rubbish. it's more of a day out for a lot of fans now. They EXPECT to be entertained. I feel really strongly and passionately about this as you can gather. We, the Albion, need the old style support back to try to motivate the team and bring an atmosphere back. If this ruffles a few feathers then so be it.
Well said mate, the crowd attending premier league matches is way different to this who went 10 or 20 years ago, that's very clear. I to great I can take my young kids but there's got to be a place / places where people can be vocal and take part more e.g. Designated standing areas? (Whole new topic).
The point is, we can't slag off the players for being defeatist when we fans are the same. We used to revel in being underdogs, now we're slipping into this malaise of moaning , too busy concentrating on drinking from our flasks with our blankets on our laps instead of realising our input ( a shout, clap, sing whatever) does help the players - this is not about age of fans, definitely not because my dad was more vocal when he was older then before!
The great escape season, football was awful but we bought into the fact that we had to help the team so I don't buy the argument that if the palayers aren't playing well we don't sing or try to crest an atmosphere.
Each game I still expect the fans to burst into life, the Man Utd home his was electric at times and therefore I know ' it's ' there. We cannot rely on the players alone to get things going. Whilst fans passively believe the planyers should perform for them at their beckoned call, the connection won't improve. I've said enough on this subject now anyway, hopefully things pick up.........or perhaps the vibrancy is slipping from grounds everywhere which is a shame as this is what has set the British game apart historically.