Soccer

MORE than one in ten footie fans admit their favourite chants are the ones about their own team’s misfortune.From sarcastically celebrating a late consolation goal to poking fun at their own poor away record, 53 per cent of these fans believe self-deprecating songs of irony and wit are all part of the sport’s humour and culture.Football fans love chants about their own team’s misfortuneCredit: PASpecsavers have launched a team called Tunley AthleticThe team has been using a sports psychologistNearly half (46 per cent) believe it shows solidarity among supporters after a bad result.And 43 per cent also believe it helps to keep spirits high – even when their team are the underdogs.The research was commissioned by Specsavers for its ‘Best Worst Team’ campaign, which has enlisted Harry Redknapp to help turn around the fortunes of Somerset side Tunley Athletic.The latest episode of the series features Lioness and Manchester United record goalscorer Ella Toone giving the squad a lesson in winning silverware.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe research also revealed 62 per cent of fans believe singing at football matches can boost players’ motivation, while 44 per cent feel it keeps the team focused during the toughest moments.Sports psychologist Andy Lane, who partnered with Specsavers to arrange a masterclass in psychology and created five new chants for Tunley Athletic fans to belt out on match day, said: “Clubs see their fans as the 12th man, and a loud and supportive crowd is often the difference between victory and defeat.“Chants create a sense of unity and increases motivation and belief – it makes the team feel like they are playing for something bigger than just themselves and keeps them fighting until the final whistle.“If the opposition hears loud, unified chanting, it will undoubtedly shake their confidence and disrupt their focus.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“If we think back to the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final – Anfield’s electric atmosphere fuelled Liverpool’s historic 4-0 comeback after losing 3-0 in the first leg, it was the energy of the crowd that made it almost impossible for Barcelona to settle.“Whereas during the pandemic, when matches were played behind closed doors, the difference was dramatic.Mass of fuming Tottenham fans flood streets and chant ‘we want Levy out’ in biggest protest against club’s ownership“Liverpool’s 68-game unbeaten run at home ended and they lost six consecutive games – something that was once unthinkable.“Our hope is that these chants will make an impact and get the crowd behind Tunley.”The research also revealed 77 per cent of fans believe the use of chants would improve the atmosphere at grassroots games, according to the OnePoll.com figures.While 88 per cent feel music is an essential part of any football club’s identity – from topflight squads competing for a Champions League spot, to a struggling Sunday league side.Three-quarters (76 per cent) think it is the duty of the fans to chant for their team and create an atmosphere that pushes them forward, even when the odds are stacked against them.Professor Lane added: “I wanted to help the Tunley lads understand the power of mindset and the influence of their supporters.“In grassroots football, it’s not easy to replicate the high-energy environments you’d play in at a professional level, and smaller crowds and less fanfare can make it challenging for players to tap into that motivation.“It’s about fostering a sense of unity and belief and building an atmosphere that will give them a true home advantage.”Duncan Fear, who has been manager at Tunley Athletic for more than a decade, said: “We’ve faced a lot of challenges as a club over the last few years and it’s easy to lose focus when things just aren’t going our way.“Confidence is one of our biggest struggles, so to have Andy join our training session and give us a fresh mindset has been game changing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s given us a new sense of belief, so we’re excited to see how it translates to better performances on the pitch.“We’ll be giving our fans something to really rally behind and put our new chants to the test.” More

ROY KEANE showed his soft side in a touching moment with daughter Caragh.The pair appeared together on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.Roy Keane showed his soft side with daughter Caragh on the Stick to Football podcastCredit: YouTubeKeane played the doting dad to his second-oldest childCredit: Insatgram / @officialkeane16Manchester United legend Keane is a regular on the show alongside Gary Neville, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher.And the quintet were joined on the latest episode by a special guest in the form of Keane’s daughter Caragh.The 29-year-old is the second-oldest of Keane’s five children he shares with wife Theresa Doyle.Caragh suffers from the incurable disease lupus, which turned her life upside down when diagnosed four years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe was forced to turn down a dream teaching job after suffering extreme joint pain, blisters and alopecia.But after being told she needed chemotherapy to ease symptoms, Caragh discovered that she could improve her lupus, gut issues and autoimmune problems through diet.With the help of dad Keane, she has now launched a health company called Superkeen, which sells organic and healthy food to the masses.And Caragh’s presence on the latest podcast episode brought out the softer side in notorious hard man Keane, who tenderly admitted “I miss them when they’re away” when reflecting on family life.Most read in FootballCaragh said: “He is the most supportive person but he definitely loves his routine. If that is off-kilter, we know about it!“Like if there’s a delivery coming that he is not aware of, oh my, the poor Amazon delivery man!”Roy Keane’s daughter Caragh has opened up about her excruciating experience with lupus illness Caragh runs her own health food company after battling lupusDad Keane helped her set up the businessCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramCaragh lifted the lid on life with KeaneCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramKeane continued: “You would not believe how much we get delivered to the house!”Caragh noted: “No but he is great. You have your funny moments, don’t you. It’s so good.”The pair also opened up on how Caragh’s business came about, with Keane again showing his fatherly side.Keane said: “When you started you asked me to support you, I said ‘Yeah go for it girl’.“Then we set up a business meeting… ‘Can I have some money daddy?’ That was the business meeting!“I said yeah, take it, whatever you need. It was more than what I thought to get a company up and running, it’s been hard work.”What makes Roy Keane angry?AMAZON DELIVERY drivers aren’t the only thing that makes Roy Keane angry.The notorious hard man has a reputation for losing his temper and telling it like it is.And while some of his pet hates involve football – such as the Anfield sign and players swapping shirts – it extends much further afield. Rod Stewart, his wife and ABBA are among the things that get under Keane’s skin.Check out all the things that make Roy Keane angry. More