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In terms of Asian support Liverpool are in a privileged position. I can remember interviewing the late Robin Cook just before last year's election and he told me of how the Asian population in the UK contributes a great deal to the British economy. It boasts the largest food empire in Europe and an ever-increasing number of successful entrepreneurs, not discounting the rise of ethnic media and products amongst other things.
I know of certain clubs with a large Asian population in the vicinity that have tried unsuccessfully to attract Asian investment. I believe if Liverpool were to tap into the market it would be a lucrative step. One example is the world champions of Rugby League - the Bradford Bulls. They have a massive Asian population, yet no matter what kind of innovative marketing strategies they produce they can only manage a small increase in Asian fans. They simply cannot tap into the market as there are very few Asians who watch rugby and frankly they are simply not interested.
However, when you mention Liverpool FC, the mood changes. The number of Liverpool fans amongst British Muslim and Asian communities range across gritty northern towns such as Batley in West Yorkshire to the more affluent areas in London. It's simply breathtaking.
And on top of that, do not discount the effect second and third generation Asians have had on relatives in Asia and the Middle East, who are joining in this trend of supporting Liverpool FC. Nowadays you hear about relatives in those countries wearing Liverpool tops and watching Liverpool games. This was unheard of years ago but with countries like India emerging as an economic power, along with the oil rich Middle East who now have competitive leagues, I believe it will be Liverpool who will gain the most by taking advantage of their popularity there.
British Muslims have a special affinity to the city of Liverpool. Not many people actually know that in 1889 Liverpool solicitor and Muslim convert William "Abdullah" Quilliam opened the doors of what is England's first mosque - a little room in Liverpool's record Office which is still in existence. His granddaughter Patricia Gordon, I have been told, is actually a Liverpool fan.
And don't forget the Latinos. I remember visiting my Uncle and Aunt in tiny Panama in Central America. Before I left I gave my Liverpool top to my uncle who loved it. Everywhere he went he would be stopped and asked about where he got it from. Much to the dismay of my younger cousins who demanded when I got back to England, I had to send them a top each. I have since sent a dozen football shirts over - although it has left a hole in my pocket. Countries from Mexico to Chile have large amounts of Liverpool support and this will help us tap into the player market too, as countries like Panama are developing some excellent young players. For example German international Kevin Kuranyi was born in Panama and has dual German and Panamanian nationality. He is constantly organizing tournaments to encourage young children into playing football. Not long ago Panama had a British coach by the name of Gary Stempel, who helped sow the seeds of competitive Panamanian football.
How did Liverpool manage to gain such a large amount of support? I'm as baffled as everyone else - maybe it's because we are seen as the 'Muhammad Ali' of the football world. We featured Muhammad in our February issue. A hero and role model, he has fulfilled those roles for decades. He was the fast-talking, world beating man of the 60's, who had immense strength of character. He lifted people similarly to the way Bill Shankly and Bob paisley inspired Liverpool by achieving great accolades.
Those amazing European nights at Anfield and in Europe made people feel "we can be great, we can achieve mission impossible." It gave people strength of character, and when you include 'You'll Never Walk Alone' into the equation, it sends goose pimples through your body.
I often wonder who it was that started singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone', and who had the idea of swaying their scarves above their heads to the music? I don't suppose those who started it ever imagined that years later fans around the world would be singing it. I have heard people singing it in broken English, to Urdu, Gujarati, Hindi (Asian dialects) to Spanish, Italian and French. Amazing!
Manchester who? Real who? And although it is Abramovich's Chelsea who have the millions, we have Rafa, Gerrard, and Alonso to name a few and the tenacity of the Chief Executive Rick Parry will ensure this club will never be sold short.
I am convinced a successful future awaits Liverpool, on and off the pitch. And this wannabe scouser wants to be a part of it. |
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樓主: 奧雲仔仔
發表於 06-3-28 05:00 PM
發表於 06-3-28 06:04 PM
