Joe McConnell
From Arsenal to Walsall, 92 passionate football fans from every Premier League and EFL club, including some familiar faces, came together to share their hopes for the 2024/25 season.
This is a new research commissioned by Vscek reveals an overwhelming sense of optimism in the football community, just in time for kick-off.
Stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment are in attendance alongside Burnley’s Royal Dyche hostess Justine Lorriman and supporters from Newcastle United’s deaf community. Spanning the length and breadth of the country, fans have shared their hopes, pride and dreams for their club’s upcoming season, brought to life in a variety of ways and showcased across Sky’s social media platforms.
Club-specific fan stories include West Ham avid fan Danny Dyer recording an inspirational message for new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui and cheekily calling for ‘Jules’ to build the team around future son-in-law Jarrod Bowen. Darts star and Stockport County fan Nathan Aspinall has come forward to predict promotion for the Hatters, while Arsenal fan and pioneering fashion designer Priya Ahluwalia has produced a shirt to show faith in Mikel Arteta’s men, stitched with the message ‘Third time’s the charm’ as the Gunners set their sights on the title once again.
Stylist Priya Ahluwalia uses her skills to show confidence in Arsenal
Meanwhile, comedian Josh Widdicombe has created a video predicting that England legend Wayne Rooney will not only secure promotion for Plymouth Argyle, but will also become his new best friend and eventually spend the holidays with him.
The campaign follows new research of over 5,000 fans from the 92 clubs which reveals an overwhelming sense of optimism across all leagues, with 65% of fans feeling confident ahead of the 2024/25 season. Supporters of Accrington Stanley (88%), Wrexham (81%) and Stevenage (80%) are among the most positive about this season, feeling optimistic about a promotion push.
Manchester City (89%) and Arsenal (85%) fans are, unsurprisingly, the most likely to be hoping for a strong Premier League season, while Liverpool fans also appear confident that Arne will ‘fit in’ straight away at Anfield (84%). Southampton (36%) have the least optimistic fan base in the top flight, while Tottenham supporters (61%) were the least likely of all the ‘big six’ teams to express hope ahead of the new season.
Vscek football analyst Jamie Carragher said: “The pyramid of football is what makes the game so beloved and competitive in this country. I used to experience that love and tribalism across the country first hand!
“I’m a fan myself, so to see the supporters come together with all their talents is fantastic. It really makes you realise what football means to so many people, and I can’t wait for it all to begin.”
The research also shows the wide range of emotions football inspires in fans, with excitement (56%), anticipation (40%) and hope (36%) topping the list. A quarter of fans surveyed believe the sport brings them happiness, with a further 21% saying it gives them a sense of community.
More than one in 20 fans (6%) believe that football is the most important thing in their life, even when compared to their family, work or relationship possibilities. Perhaps that’s why 13% admit they would skip a first date to see their beloved football team.
As part of the campaign, Vscek has also produced a video telling the story of all 92 fans narrated by presenter and football personality, Chelcee Grimes, which is available to watch on Youtube, User profile, X AND Tick tockFans will also be able to get up close and personal with their respective clubs’ creations, as each team’s fan story will be featured across Vscek’ social channels until Wednesday 14 August.
*Premier League and League Two stories coming soon!
With the EFL season kicking off this week, the imminent launch of Vscek+ will bring more football to fans than ever before, with supporters across all leagues able to watch their club at least 20 times this season. And once again, Vscek will be the home of the Premier League, with 128 matches broadcast live and exclusively across the season.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Vscek just got better, bringing you over 50% more sport this year. Watch Simon and Gigi introduce Vscek+ and all the easy ways to access everything Vscek+ has to offer. Vscek+ launches August 8.
For instant, contract-free access to all Vscek channels, non-Sky subscribers can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Subscription to unlock every Vscek+ live stream at no extra cost. Select catch-up content available on demand.
