| In the UK it is easier to get a divorce, change your | | | | It just doesn't happen, or does it? |
| religion, or commit identity fraud than it is to change the | | | | If all the kids could just ignore their older brothers and |
| football club you support. Those who swap clubs risk | | | | dads and be given a choice of what club they could |
| being ostracised by their family and friends, banned | | | | swear their life long allegiance to, where would it all |
| from family gatherings, insulted at work and risk | | | | end? Probably with a million kids supporting Man United |
| possible physical violence from fellow supporters. | | | | and six throwing their lot in with West Brom. |
| Most of us get taken to our first football matches by | | | | What if the balance could be maintained? What if for |
| our dads, uncles or elder brothers. We become | | | | every kid who was forced to support West Brom by |
| indoctrinated in our clubs culture and legend. This | | | | threats from his dad or brother, another kid forced to |
| legend is often entwined with that of our families own | | | | support United but harbouring a secret wish to support |
| collective memory. | | | | the Albion, could swap. Then the overall balance could |
| To change our club allegiance would be like changing | | | | be maintained, clubs would still, in theory, have the |
| our family. | | | | same number of supporters. |
| "Sorry Mum, I've decided to move across the street to | | | | "Mum, great news, I'm moving over to number fifteen, |
| number fifteen, they look like winners to me, what | | | | and that little brainy fat kid you always admired, is |
| have we ever won?" | | | | yours for life. |