Liked vs. Disliked Football Teams

Accrington Stanley

The club that wouldn't die

The phoenix club of Accrington Stanley was formed in 1968 two years after the original clubs demise in 1966. They began their new life playing in the Lancashire Combination League (in what I think was either Tier 9 or 10) but have now risen to the heights of Tier 3 (League One).

I have a huge amount of respect for Accrington Stanley for the fact that they didn't just fade away after the collapse, and after spending so many years playing non-league football they finally made it back amongst the 92 for the 2006/2007 season.

Accrington Stanley also has a fantastic owner in Andy Holt who understands that a football club is a community asset and will often challenge the bizarre decisions being made by footballs governing bodies. He also provides some honest commentary on what it's really like behind the scenes running a football club.

With the lowest average attendance in the 3rd tier (at just 2,776) and a population of only 35,000 in the town of Accrington the club is clearly punching above its weight, but long may they continue to do so. I for one will definitely be paying a visit to the Wham Stadium as soon as personal circumstance allows.

Fulham

A football experience like no other on the banks of the Thames

I've taken a few trips to Craven Cottage over the years and compared to a lot of modern stadiums it has an absolute abundance of character. Its location on the banks of the Thames makes it like no other in English Football. Having your half-time pint overlooking the river is a much better experience than being squashed on some manky concourse.

Watching Football at Fulham is also different and has a tinge of being in a Rugby crowd. That's not to say the fans aren't knowledgeable and passionate but there is a marked difference in the Footballing culture which make it an easy place to be around. Evidenced by Fulham being the only club in the country to offer an official 'neutral' area.

AFC Wimbledon

Surviving the creation of a franchise

AFC Wimbledon is probably the most famous 'phoenix club' in English Football. Formed in 2002 after the original clubs highly controversial move to Milton Keynes. The club has fought its way up six divisions from Tier 9 to its current position in Tier 3 (League 1).

The club has also recently moved back to its spiritual home 'Plough Lane' in a newly built ground a mere 200 metres from the original stadium. Proof that if a group is organised and committed enough it can realise its ambitions.

Athletic Bilbao

Where only the locals play

In a world of sporting globalisation, the big teams often field very few 'home nation' players, let alone those born locally. But that is exactly what Athletic Bilbao do, and have a policy of only recruiting players who were born in the Basque Country or who learned their football skills at a Basque club.

Despite a few moments of controversy, it seems to be a policy that suits them well. They have never been relegated from La Liga and with a few exceptions consistently finished in the top half.

Forest Green Rovers

Breaking the mould with their eco-friendly vegan philiosophy

For a lot of people Forest Green Rovers are on the 'dislike' list - a village club who have bought their way up the leagues. But, I'm looking past that and seeing a club who are really embedded in their green principles.

Watford

Manager after manager tossed aside

Even the most die hard Watford fan would find it hard to keep track of the number of managers they have had.

Chelsea

The cash influx that changed English Football

Salford City

Buying thier way up the leagues