Would anyone get involved in a Bolton Ultras group?

[TKIZ!]

I'm not thinking of starting one, just heard that Crystal Palace have a very organised group, I also don't mean idiots that pretend they are supporters and fight outside the ground.

Just interested what people think?

[General Mannerheim]

bit gay innit.

[P.O.S.]

Been interested in this for a while, not into getting involved in one I mean, just in terms of seeing what other fans are up to. Its the norm in Europe, the Americas etc, theres a few groups in Scotland even, but here I just feel that it doesnt work - mindset, culture, whatever, it just doesnt seem to "fit" English fan culture.

Palace have a group, Aldershot, Accrington, York, Sheffield Wednesday are having a go, and a few others too. I really like the idea that a group of fans get together, have meetings, make big flags and really feel proud of their team no matter how theyre doing and think of new ways of supporting their team, but something just doesnt feel right with it. Milan, Boca, Red Star Belgrade yes... a bunch of lads in Scotts, no.

Having said all that though, if Bolton started one, maybe Id have a look into it!

[Lord Kangana]

Went to an Espanyol game a year ago. They sat us as far as possible from the Ultras (big group of English lads). At HT we shifted round as close as we could get to them. A guy with a microphone and huge speakers amongst them, getting them going. Atmosphere was terrific. Game was a bit rubbish mind. But that wasn't the question.

[ebby]

I went watching FC Union in Berlin a couple of months back now I dunno if you class their supporters as Ultras or not but they all gave up their own time help build the stadium.

The game was amazing, the team actually lost 4-1, missed a penalty and got a man sent off but fans were singing until the end, the atmosphere was amazing all game, and the team even did a lap of honour, it was bizarre.

If we could have even half as good support as that Bolton it would be amazing so if forming an ultras group helps to do that kind of thing then I'd be supportive.

[BwfcDan]

I'm sure it would create some sort of atmosphere at the Reebok so I'm all for it. I'm sure the West Stand lot will oppose, they don't like change... Or atmosphere... Or football...

[Bruce Rioja]

Sorry, could one of you just let let me know what consitutes 'Ultra' membership criteria? Just so that I can avoid becoming mistaken for one?

[Dr.Karl]

Erm, I know the Lazio Ultras and a couple of other clubs in Italy have political leanings towards the far right. It depends how you would define the "Ultras" and what purpose they serve.

[truewhite15]

Erm, I know the Lazio Ultras and a couple of other clubs in Italy have political leanings towards the far right. It depends how you would define the "Ultras" and what purpose they serve.

I think when we refer to "Ultras", we simply mean an elaborately-phrased way of saying "a group of Uber-Fans". A group that gets atmosphere going etc.

[martin1877coywm]

Erm, I know the Lazio Ultras and a couple of other clubs in Italy have political leanings towards the far right. It depends how you would define the "Ultras" and what purpose they serve.

You mean nazis?

A lot of teams in the MLS have it. It makes for a great atmosphere and will stop eveyrone calling us one of the quietest fans in the league.

[Horza]

You don't even have to call yourself ultras.

[Beefheart]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuwVi8dSQWk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Lech Poznan ultra's at U-12's match against Spurs, mental.

[Lofthouse Lower]

I watched a documentary about Nazis once, does that mean I qualify?

[jmjhb]

Aren't ultras just people who have nothing else going on in their lives and are looking for a sense of belonging?

[BwfcDan]

Aren't ultras just people who have nothing else going on in their lives and are looking for a sense of belonging?

No, that's just football fans in general.

[P.O.S.]

I went watching FC Union in Berlin a couple of months back now I dunno if you class their supporters as Ultras or not but they all gave up their own time help build the stadium.

The game was amazing, the team actually lost 4-1, missed a penalty and got a man sent off but fans were singing until the end, the atmosphere was amazing all game, and the team even did a lap of honour, it was bizarre.

If we could have even half as good support as that Bolton it would be amazing so if forming an ultras group helps to do that kind of thing then I'd be supportive.

Ive seen Hertha Berlin a couple of times and they always do a lap of honour then sit down in front of the part of the stand housing the main support for a while taking in the atmosphere, regardless of the result

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

A lot of teams in the MLS have it. It makes for a great atmosphere and will stop eveyrone calling us one of the quietest fans in the league.

Have only been to games at Chicago, but standing in with the Section 8 lot is among the best atmospheres I've been in.

Yes, some 'ultras' have abhorrent political leanings, but so do some fans who don't wave flags or sing. A bigger problem would be ennui and laziness - embarrassing really when you consider that Accrington and York can be bothered.

Good luck - wholeheartedly, not sarcastically - to anybody trying to start up a Bolton Ultras group (the name's already got a great internal rhythm and rhyme). Showing pride, getting behind the team whether they're winning or losing, these are the things that 'fans' used to do. Now we've been treated as 'customers' or 'consumers' many of us feel no guilt at all about moaning at substandard goods - but we also lose a bit of that identity and pride. Works both ways for both parties.

[BwfcDan]

A lot of teams in the MLS have it. It makes for a great atmosphere and will stop eveyrone calling us one of the quietest fans in the league.

Have only been to games at Chicago, but standing in with the Section 8 lot is among the best atmospheres I've been in.

Yes, some 'ultras' have abhorrent political leanings, but so do some fans who don't wave flags or sing. A bigger problem would be ennui and laziness - embarrassing really when you consider that Accrington and York can be bothered.

Good luck - wholeheartedly, not sarcastically - to anybody trying to start up a Bolton Ultras group (the name's already got a great internal rhythm and rhyme). Showing pride, getting behind the team whether they're winning or losing, these are the things that 'fans' used to do. Now we've been treated as 'customers' or 'consumers' many of us feel no guilt at all about moaning at substandard goods - but we also lose a bit of that identity and pride. Works both ways for both parties.

Nothing on the Section 6 mob

[Worthy4England]

Sorry, could one of you just let let me know what consitutes 'Ultra' membership criteria? Just so that I can avoid becoming mistaken for one?

Be a bit ghey and have no mates. You application form is in the post.

[Bruce Rioja]

Sorry, could one of you just let let me know what consitutes 'Ultra' membership criteria? Just so that I can avoid becoming mistaken for one?

Be a bit ghey and have no mates. You application form is in the post.

Surely no application needed

I'm just nipping out for fireworks, bedsheets and paint!