For the older fans here (7 Viewers)

[Ashdown]

I’ve found a lot of this season very stressful watching on TV. I’ve seen every game. 16 live , which are generally nowhere near as bad for whatever reason. I think it’s because I can sing and shout.
I also think the nature of how we have been passing it out from the back has its own stresses as does the kamikaze inconsistent shite of many of our players. The games have mostly been very untidy. A couple of years ago it was much easier to watch as we controlled games much better.

 

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[torchomatic]

59. On Saturday we were row E, so quite near the pitch. I found myself being quite aggressive towards their players, doing the wanker sign and stuff.

Outside the ground this Luton supporter said something like "up the Hatters. Saw you crying at Wembley". I told him to fuck off. Most unlike me. Being so close to the pitch turned me into an animal!

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

59. On Saturday we were row E, so quite near the pitch. I found myself being quite aggressive towards their players, doing the wanker sign and stuff.

Outside the ground this Luton supporter said something like "up the Hatters. Saw you crying at Wembley". I told him to fuck off. Most unlike me. Being so close to the pitch turned me into an animal!

Being so close to Tyrese Campbell at Sheffield made me feel similar. Such a dislikeable twat.

 

[Otis]

I'm the opposite.... Going the other way as I get older!!

Yup, exactly the same.

As you get older, you do start wondering "how long have I got left and will we make the Premier League before I die!"

 

[itsvangool]

56. Long distance supporter. Had a season ticket and travelled home and away during the late 1980's. I can never remember being so stressed as I get now. I definitely think not being at games and being able to see all the games on TV is a major factor.

Goals like Saturday's calamity would have just been something you read about back then but now everything is exposed to everyone and everyone has an opinion.

I also think what has happened to us for the last two seasons where we have got so close in both Wembley visits is magnifying the situation. If we had lost like Villa did on Saturday in those matches, we'd be more relaxed.

I just try to console myself that we are in a golden age of supporting this club again and while we can't see into the future it's better than being bottom of League 1 with no hope at all.

 

[duffer]

I actually think I've become more relaxed about it as I've got older. Certainly during the game I still get excited/frustrated/angry/sweary, but I don't think it's enough to tip me into a cardiac event. If I don't post again after the Boro game, you'll know I'm wrong on that though.

 

[long way home]

Been a fan since 77, with age things change but the emotions of any given result seem to get more longer lasting. Personally I don't think that will change, it's in my blood and I wouldn't want any other way. We as a club have never done things the easy way it's in our DNA, so for me it's an inevable outcome to being a fan. We specialize in drama and controversy, if I stayed away or walk in the CBS the emotion is there. I have got to the point that im glad I have passion enough to get emotional about something. The alternative is not good for my soul, I don't think it as stress, i think of it as a privilege.

 

[Bristol sky blue]

Am the wrong side of 50, rarely go to games now and get over disappointing results quickly. Fundraiser for RSPB so work nearly all weekends. These days I would rather go to beautiful places / gardens than a football match, so I am a follower not a supporter now really. Just find the matchday experience leaves me cold these days, not like walking up to Highfield Road from the train station and stopping at pubs (like the Elastic Inn) on the way, which I used to love.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Relax. I’m calm on this one- we’ll win this 2-1

 

[Bad Boy]

I’ve found a lot of this season very stressful watching on TV. I’ve seen every game. 16 live , which are generally nowhere near as bad for whatever reason. I think it’s because I can sing and shout.
I also think the nature of how we have been passing it out from the back has its own stresses as does the kamikaze inconsistent shite of many of our players. The games have mostly been very untidy. A couple of years ago it was much easier to watch as we controlled games much better.

Analysed perfectly Ashdown.

I've been struggling to put into words my frustration and anger at watching us play this season and to some extent last.

Untidy, uncontrolled, I absolutely agree.

 

[MalcSB]

Not help by those immortal words ball into the box , there's danger here!!!!..."

It never seems to be our balls in to the box, does it?

 

[duffer]

59. On Saturday we were row E, so quite near the pitch. I found myself being quite aggressive towards their players, doing the wanker sign and stuff.

Outside the ground this Luton supporter said something like "up the Hatters. Saw you crying at Wembley". I told him to fuck off. Most unlike me. Being so close to the pitch turned me into an animal!

Torchy and his new mates at Luton. Actual footage...

 

[Grendel]

Football should be about stress and pressure. You support teams for these sort of games.

Big crowds and a tense atmosphere. Highs and lows are far better than mediocrity.

 

[Mcbean]

We are the 12th man

 

[Tommo1993]

The older I get the more rational I am about it. Ultimately its just a game. I'm over it after an hour either way

100% with this mindset. Old man always used to, and still sometimes does, go in a big grump when we lose. Always promised myself I wouldn’t be the same. Ain’t worth the shit atmosphere in the house.

Simmer down for about 30 mins after the game and that’s that.

 

[Sick Boy]

56. Long distance supporter. Had a season ticket and travelled home and away during the late 1980's. I can never remember being so stressed as I get now. I definitely think not being at games and being able to see all the games on TV is a major factor.

Goals like Saturday's calamity would have just been something you read about back then but now everything is exposed to everyone and everyone has an opinion.

I also think what has happened to us for the last two seasons where we have got so close in both Wembley visits is magnifying the situation. If we had lost like Villa did on Saturday in those matches, we'd be more relaxed.

I just try to console myself that we are in a golden age of supporting this club again and while we can't see into the future it's better than being bottom of League 1 with no hope at all.

It's also much better than the annual 17th place finish in the Championship with our only excitement being a possible relegation battle.

 

[skybluelee]

Agree with what lots of others have said, its much more stressful watching on TV or listening to CWR. Being there in person with 28K others feeling the same emotions as I am makes me feel much calmer.

 

[skybluelee]

I always find it less stressful physically being at the game. Also, while I find watching a stream slightly more stressful, its still no where near as bad as listening to a radio commentary where every time the opposition have possession it feels like they are about to score. Doing none of these and trying to do something completely different while a game is on is also a no no for me, as my mind will constantly be on what might be happening at the game.

It took me years to get used to Clive's commentary style. Every time the ball gets near the opposition's box he makes it sound like a goal is imminent. You then watch the highlights and see one of our players slice a 25 yard shot nearly out for a throw-in or something.

 

[ceetee]

Me too. Don't stress over something you have absolutely no control over.

I agree with that.

I don't stress about play-offs, what ifs etc
If it happens I enjoy it.

I went to the Checkatrade final ,just before my 74th birthday thinking it would be my last and only chance of seeing us play at Wembley
Now I've been four times and stressed more about the journey than the result
I would love for us to get to Premier League while I'm still.able to go to games but I'm not sure I'd actually enjoy it.

 

[Skyblueabo1111]

My dad died 6 months ago. Try organising a funeral, sorting probate, emptying a hoarders flat and selling it.. football is a stroll, after that.

 

[Terry_dactyl]

I think this has a lot to do with it. We are controlled by the media in ways we weren’t as kids. The adrenaline hit from games and release of neurochemicals is addictive and increasingly impossible to avoid.

I mean, maybe THIS is part of the problem too. I dunno how often you come on here but I’m not sure how helpful for my stress levels, coming and dissecting each game to nth degree is.
Still, here I am!

 

[Old Warwickshire lad]

In my 70s now and this season I seem to be getting worse.
I have angina and know I need to calm down, the grandkids keep telling me to take it easy.
But watching kin Collins in goal is enough to send anyone over the edge.

 

[shepardo01]

I have angina and know I need to calm down.

Sorry to hear that Old Warwickshire Lad.
Hope that the High Court Ruling and Kier Starmer's comments last week didn't upset you as much as Brad Collins performances.

 

[Old Warwickshire lad]

Sorry to hear that Old Warwickshire Lad.
Hope that the High Court Ruling and Kier Starmer's comments last week didn't upset you as much as Brad Collins performances.

Not half as much.

 

[ccfcchris]

Having been a fan for a very long time so I'm used to feeling stressful when listening, or watching on TV. On about 80 mins in the Luton game I started to believe we could do it.

Started to get a tight chest which is something that has never happened before. Thankfully I have no heart problems but suffer high blood pressure.

If it happens again I will definitely switch off. If we lose I don't dwell on the result just try to ignore football and later in the week get ready to go again.

Without going into the Collins thing I think he's part of the problem that I feel every time the opposition attack they'll probably score.

In the stadium I never suffer stress as I think we're all together sharing it all.

I'm in my 70s.

 

[Covkid1968#]

Yes it’s stressful… I’d like to think It’s all about perspective…. I’ve just been conned out of a really significant amount of cash and bizarrely that’s not been as stressful.

I take SJW and that really takes the edge off it. Radio and TV are worse than live games.

Football just gets the emotions going… but I don’t let it ruin my week now. We’ve got what we all craved… a team that challenges…I’m trying to embrace it.

 

[steve101]

I have always reacted badly when we lose, even when I was a kid. It affects my weekend. However, when we win the elation balances it out. Some games are worse than others. My stress response v Luton was far higher than usual, which reflected the roller coaster game. Concerned but hopeful at kick-off; down after sending off; proud at halftime; hopeful and excited when Walsh was off; furious when Jones stayed on; sickened and angry when we gave it all away at the death.
This Saturday probably will be another rollercoaster but part and parcel of being a fan.

 

[CovValleyBoy]

As an older fan I am proud that we have a "CupFinal" on Saturday in front of a CBS full house.

I can barely remember a City defence in 58 years this poor, given our current league position.
With that in mind I have been very relaxed. Can see us getting into the playoffs where it will end.
But a great achievement none the less. WLAD.

 

[no_loyalty]

Nothing more stressful than the last time we were in the Championship playoffs, the second leg at Boro was torture.

 

[COVKIDSNEVERQUIT]

Nothing more stressful than the last time we were in the Championship playoffs, the second leg at Boro was torture.

No, no Luton at Wembley was torture, Man United at Wembley was anger.

Even when you've support them for over 65 years it just doesn't get any easier.