Recently I got ridiculed for going to watch football on my own, not for the first tine and it got me thinking... I can't be the only one, in fact I know I'm not, and why is it a big deal to some?

I get on with everyone around my season ticket so for home games it's a little different (although I wouldn't see them away from turf moor) but for away games I travel alone, watch the game alone and I really enjoy it. It's my me time doing something I am passionate about, but as I said recently I come in for a lot of stick. Am I actually just the saddo loner?

I sat in JHL on my own from 2010-2017

ClaretAndJew wrote:I sat in JHL on my own from 2010-2017

I was there aswell C+J!

claretblue wrote:I was there aswell C+J!

Block 5

If you’re comfortable with your own company, then you may be alone, but you’ll never be lonely.

If you're happy doing it who cares what anyone else thinks? As you say if you have a season ticket you get to know everyone around you anyway. Much better than sitting at home on your own wishing you were on the game.

jrgbfc wrote:If you're happy doing it who cares what anyone else thinks? As you say if you have a season ticket you get to know everyone around you anyway. Much better than sitting at home on your own wishing you were on the game.

It's strange because I'm normally of that thinking, I've just had a few comments recently which made me think otherwise. It's just society trying to say I'm wrong I suppose, but when is society right?

I go with others but sometimes wish I'd gone on my own

You are never on your own as a Claret on match days at the Turf.

There will be thousands around the games today. Don’t worry what other people think.

I took my Mrs to our first home game a few seasons ago. We scored and she was checking out the roof at the back of the stadium.

ClaretSteve wrote:There will be thousands around the games today. Don’t worry what other people think.

I took my Mrs to our first home game a few seasons ago. We scored and she was checking out the roof at the back of the stadium.

Better than checking the bloke out sat on the other side of her!!

Thank you for this post. “Sado” probably says more about the person who is using the expression than you. Nobody really knows another person’s interior life. If you are comfortable with your own company whilst watching our beloved Clarets, then that’s absolutely fine. Like “Sado” , the word “Loner” is a word rarely used by a person about themselves. I enjoy “me time”, and need that in a life that’s full of other people. It’s all about achieving a balance that suits you. Enjoy today .

There use to be four of us STH sat in the JML but then one moved away and stopped going on.

He was one of the middle 2 seats, but we didn’t officially change our seats although we sat in it

For 2 seasons somebody else had it as a STH by himself but we just explained the situation and swapped seats

I've been on my own to a few games and actually quite enjoyed it. Although I do prefer to go with others I find that you take in more of the game if you are on your own.

It’s a strange one I think, if you’re happy to go alone then that’s all well and good.

I love everything that comes with going on the football though which includes massively getting to catch up with mates who as you get older you don’t see as often.

I’ve got a mates who have season tickets and travel in from Warrington and Leeds for games who I wouldn’t see anywhere near as regular if football wasn’t the common ground. Being able to chat to a mate about antics at some random away game 10 years ago etc.. is a feeling I like. I’m quite a gregarious character though and like having moments to share with the people close to me and football definitely provides that.

There have been many times where the 90 minutes on a match has ruined “a good day out” where I would have happily stayed sat in a pub and carried on having a laugh with my mates instead of going on the game. I think the older I have gotten the more so appreciate seeing good friends and being able to have a natter and enjoy something with them.

damo_whitehead wrote:It's strange because I'm normally of that thinking, I've just had a few comments recently which made me think otherwise. It's just society trying to say I'm wrong I suppose, but when is society right?

It’s your life Damo. Do what you want with it. If you want to go on the Turf on your own do it. Don’t give a **** what other people think. In society these days you “have” to do everything with someone else. Which I find even more pathetic. Think. How many grown up men and women are missing out of doing things they want to do because there is nobody to hold their hand?

For most things, what difference does it make if somebody is there?

I appreciate everyone's words here, sometimes reassurance is important

I’ve done it a few times and it’s been fine. Usually I go to away games with my mates and sit with them at home games. On the odd occasion I have gone to away games on my tod there is a fair chance il bump into someone I know.

I don’t go to away games much these days but back when I did you would always see the same faces

I think this thread is all because I snubbed damo (not on purpose I admit) at Swansea a couple of seasons ago

Seriously, do what you want to do Damo and enjoy it.

damo_whitehead wrote:Recently I got ridiculed for going to watch football on my own, not for the first tine and it got me thinking... I can't be the only one, in fact I know I'm not, and why is it a big deal to some?

I get on with everyone around my season ticket so for home games it's a little different (although I wouldn't see them away from turf moor) but for away games I travel alone, watch the game alone and I really enjoy it. It's my me time doing something I am passionate about, but as I said recently I come in for a lot of stick. Am I actually just the saddo loner?

Living in the south I often attend away games on my own...but I know enough people outside the ground to have some banter and I often meet interesting fellow clarets once inside the ground UTC

The real sados are those trying to belittle those who are happy to do things their own way.

Been to many away games on my todd. Didn’t used to get many takers for Hartlepool away on a Tuesday night Leyland daf preliminary round

ClaretTony wrote:I think this thread is all because I snubbed damo (not on purpose I admit) at Swansea a couple of seasons ago

Seriously, do what you want to do Damo and enjoy it.

I completely forgot that! What a bad day all round!

I had a spell for quite a few years where dad wasnt well enough to go on and daughter was to young.

Only thing i can thank owen coyle for was she got hooked that year.

Its better going with someone but i always found neighbours happy to chat.

I go to away games alone but not watching Burnley as I can't get to games anymore living abroad. No reason not to; working with people 99% of the week, mostly idiots who are hard work, makes the weekend the only time to get away from it all and have a bit of me time; I love solitary away days with like minded people; still do it alone and be part of a group at the same time; I love to take my time to get there, have a look around, do it at my pace, and meet some new people and have a short chat about the game and footy in general.
Don't let the bastards grind you down Damo and do it how you want.

diamondpocket wrote:I go to away games alone but not watching Burnley as I can't get to games anymore living abroad. No reason not to; working with people 99% of the week, mostly idiots who are hard work, makes the weekend the only time to get away from it all and have a bit of me time; I love solitary away days with like minded people; still do it alone and be part of a group at the same time; I love to take my time to get there, have a look around, do it at my pace, and meet some new people and have a short chat about the game and footy in general.
Don't let the bastards grind you down Damo and do it how you want.

You are absolutely spot on. Thank you

I'm from the South. When I started going, initially London games I travelled, and stood or sat, alone. I didn't know anyone who followed Burnley. However on my second visit to Turf Moor, one Dave Beeston (now Burnley) introduced himself after the game at Burnley Central Station ('how you doin' hound? was his opening line!'). This was 1970 and we were only 16 or so. Of course as I kept travelling I eventually noticed a few others getting on at Euston and so we would travel together sometimes, but many a time I went alone, especially it seems, away games.

In the mid 70s with the large train fare increases came the formation of the London Clarets and we had to travel together but as I didn't drink, I often went off for a walk whilst the others went to the pub. I also tended to stand on the Bee Hole end, unless it was raining, whereas the others went on the Longside. This wasn't so much being unsociable as that I preferred the view.

Been all over the country on my own watching us.
Never gave it a second thought.
A few mates used to take peess in the mid 80s. They just got 2 fingers from me.

Done it plenty. Especially away when working. And at games not involving Burnley.

Your own company beats that of half of them around you.

Too add. Went to many gigs abroad over the past few years, travelled alone too. The best things I’ve ever done to be quite honest. Met many of people ranging from a couple in their 70s who travelled hours to be there. To a group of dads/lads who I ended up drinking with. Met a girl who I’m still in touch with and possibly meeting her for a gig later this year. Generally met people from all walks of life from Ranchers from New Mexico, to San Lorenzo season ticket holders, to people from Bremen, a lad who travelled by himself from Brussels to Berlin to a gig, an 70 odd year old Japanese man travelling America by train.

Sometimes it’s great to step outside the bubble what are friendship groups and just live life differently. I honestly love doing it. Football is a bit different but you may meet interesting people and that’s what it’s all about.

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Done it plenty. Especially away when working. And at games not involving Burnley.

Your own company beats that of half of them around you.

Three quarters...

We’ve 2 season tickets but my wife can rarely make it. I used to hate going on my own but now like you said it is “me time”. Also when the match is on I never take my eyes off it so I may as well be on my own.

Do what you want to do not what others think you should do. I’d go on my own and have done occasionally in the past.it is more sad if you wouldn’t . Someone’s companion might have died or be ill. Are they then supposed to not go. I wonder how may people would put on Facebook I went to the football today on my own and really enjoyed it ? People are too bothered what others think. Who gives one.

Been going on my own to the Turf for the past 50 plus years...so ignore what others think.

I am at a loss as to why anybody would be critical about someone going to a match on their own.
I think its preferable to be in company just because of the banter, but I used to go on with mates, then latterly with my lad.
He can't make it on Saturdays anymore so I have no choice but to go on my own. Definately not as much fun, but if I want to see the clarets then so be it.

Going mainly on my own for a long time now. Sit next to a guy who also goes on his own .Knows his football and looking forward to seeing him again this afternoon. Lucky to sit next to some sensible fans though we have our resident idiot just behind.Also got a real community feel even though I don't know anybodies names and only see them on match das.

Go on home games with my dad and brother but sometimes do away games solo. Id rather go on my own than not at all!

Generally when I get back home and get to go on the turf, I go alone. I’m there to watch the footy. Most of my close mates that still live around aren’t football fans, I can catch up with them at other times. It’s all about the match and the atmosphere, not having a good chinwag for me.

I read a saying/thought once:
If you want to go somewhere you like but no one else wants to, go by yourself. You'll meet people with similar interests as you.

The same applies here. Go to the game on your own and people you'll meet will also be there to watch Burnley.

Doesn't apply to me because I go on with family. The only thing I find odd/strange/sad is the people ridiculing you for it. There's nothing wrong whatsoever with going on your own and doing something you enjoy. I'm surprised they find it anything but normal.

I sometimes go to away games by myself if I can't commit to a ticket early on or have to work; you can strike up a conversation with folk around you or keep quiet your choice.

Nothing wrong with going on your own at all. I do it often and sod what anyone else thinks.

The only time I've ever been conscious of being alone was when I went to a music gig by myself, but I still enjoyed it and wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Damo - you are certainly not alone reading the comments looks like more would rather go alone sometimes so your the lucky one. I went alone for 3 seasons travelling over on the plane to games everyone I knew said I was mad going alone I just told them, I’m not alone they will be 20000 other clarets there give or take a few thousand. I Used To love watching the game alone then going the pub after and chatting to like minded clarets about the game. Best bit is I get to choose which pub I go to and when I leave and don’t have to worry about anyone that’s with me.

On a none football point I go and play golf alone sometimes and often get asked why and told I’m nuts but same as you it’s my me time when I choose to go alone. Just hope I don’t get a hole in one when out on my own ha ha.

Enjoy the game today. Next time you go to the game and your asked who did you go on the game with tell them 20000 clarets (hopefully a full house)

UTC

I often go on my own - the important thing is being there

Good thread. I’ve been to lots of games on my own.

I go to every game on my own,not out of choice,I haven't got any mates.

Spent most of last season going on my own as my mate got a new job away from the area and couldn’t get on. Didn’t bother me one bit, quite happy going on my own as its something I enjoy.
This season I’m in the same seat (CFS) and looking forward to the new season, found that you do get to know others around you.
Life is too short to worry about what others may think, so sod them, get onto the turf.

I tell you i have been going to Galway United home games for over 20 years by myself . Now in that time the wife has gone just once ................ Yer some call me lucky others call me a lair .
The only problem is people want to sit next to me and chat for some reason .

Done quite a few aways on my own, never bothers me. Season ticket at home with my Dad, but he’s sometimes not as up for the longer aways so I drive in on my own.

End of the day, yeah you’re on your own, but the second your inside and everyone’s singing, you’re basically there with 2000 mates.

damo_whitehead wrote:Recently I got ridiculed for going to watch football on my own, not for the first tine and it got me thinking... I can't be the only one, in fact I know I'm not, and why is it a big deal to some?

I get on with everyone around my season ticket so for home games it's a little different (although I wouldn't see them away from turf moor) but for away games I travel alone, watch the game alone and I really enjoy it. It's my me time doing something I am passionate about, but as I said recently I come in for a lot of stick. Am I actually just the saddo loner?

No the people who comment are the saddo's. I always find people who can't enjoy their own company and constantly need to be around other people a bit dense.