The signing of Joe Cole, brought a wave of excitement to Liverpool fans across the globe. UK sports media was dominated by the story but here in the UK this is something that we take for example. A mass of press access, 24hr news channels such as Sky Sports News and journalists in close proximity to the ground are something that we have come to take for granted as fans try to source the very latest information on their club and in this case its new arrivals.
Sometimes for overseas fans that information isn’t quite as forthcoming or not as much in abundance is possibly a more accurate summary. This article is a guest post from Cody Thrift, a passionate LFC fan from Dallas, Texas and the first in his views of how Liverpool news is perceived, received and spread “across the pond”.
An American Perspective
It’s 8:45 central time Dallas, Texas, I arrive at my desk to kick off another workweek, it’s Monday. It’s been a quiet weekend across all fronts of the EPL. Instinctively my mouse goes to the BBC football section. This is my normal web behavior, no email, no news, no other sports just football (btw I’d be shot dead on sight for using the term football in America). The headline read, “Liverpool won race to sign Cole” (BBC, 2010). I was floored, overwhelmed with excitement. I’ve been a fan of this guy since day one of watching the EPL. Even when he played for bitter rivals Chelsea, I still held the utmost respect for what he brought to them.
So, I have this great news and I can’t wait to share it. I look around and just laugh, anyone I mentioned the name Joe Cole to in my office would think he was a fashion designer or maybe the new guy who started in print production. This is the EPL, anything outside the World Cup you really begin to paint yourself into a lonely distant world. But I do have people around me who care deeply for the sport, I also have a supporting wife who enjoys it because I rattle on about it everyday (what can I say, I need someone to talk or more like tell about Liverpool and soccer everyday).
The first text I sent was at 8:47 to my mentor of the EPL and old roommate, Lane.
Me: Breaking News, Liverpool signed Joe Cole
Lane: What!! Really!! Awesome!! I heart him
Me: Yeah I know I have always been a big fan, front page of all the sport sections in the UK.
Me: I’m so excited
Lane: Me too
This is one of many responses I got across my network of Liverpool fans. We do exist, and we are quite passionate about a club 8 hours and one ocean away.
I’d like to tap into what Joe Cole will bring to the Kop, but I’ll save that for my next installment. I want everyone to take one thing away from this. For those of you that live in a place where you can talk to you neighbor, your mate, your mailman or even your handyman, remember to cherish it. This is not just a sport, but what I have come to find as a religion. You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Cody Thrift
You can follow Cody on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cothrift
Image Source: Getty Images