Hey Guys....Spencer Checketts Here

[Newkidontheblock]

I too would like to thank you for everything that you and your family has done. I am still so excited that we have a MLS team, and I think the franchise has handled itself impeccably. Keep up the good work, and since I am still learning soccer, I understand the learning curve that you are going through.

[Old Ska]

I gotta give the guy a lot of respect for coming in here and posting that. I am sure he spent quite a bit of time thinking it out and writing it before he got here too, and it shows. One of the most balanced responses to personal attacks that we have seen here in quite some time. Around the league people always say that despite what is happening (or not happening) with RSL on the field the RSL Front Office is doing nearly everything right.

But if he looked around at the other threads, he knows that we stuffed the MLS poll...I wonder how he feels about that. 😇 Actually, I hate to say this, but I voted for Chicago (I legitimately think they have had the best fans over the years...sorry everybody!).

Correct me if I am remembering wrongly, but didn't some of the negative tone of messages talking about Spencer Checketts arise originally from his criticism of the Loyalists and the black streamers throwing thing? I would like to make the case to him that soccer supporters culture is different from the fan base of any other sport. In the context of soccer supporters culture the black ribbons were a way of taking ownership of a dubious record "our" team set. In the same way that criticisms of Spencer Checketts as an individual and of his friends on a personal level were counter productive and totally unwarranted, I think it was unfortunate that the team's publicity manager sort of took a back-handed swipe at the Loyalists. I understand why he did it (ignorance of soccer supporters culture) and I think we can all forgive him for it, but typically when the supporters club of a team turns on the front office, the front office really knows it. The fans of RSL are no where even remotely close to that point yet.

I hope that Spencer Checketts posts here in the future, and if not that, browses around from time to time.

[SoccerPrime]

Welcome Spencer. Nice to see you are brave enough to post on these boards. Although it sounds rough, we are all relatively nice (well most of us).

We appreciate what your family has done for soccer in Utah and for the work you do in the booth.

I think most of the negative commentary on these boards towards your show lies mostly in your lack of "hardcore" soccer knowledge. I personally don't really know what that is and I am sure a few on these message boards will let you know. Sufficient to say, if you were able to watch more international soccer and listen to the commentary, it would bring you along fast.

Anyway, welcome to the boards and thanks for what you do.
PS Tell your Dad we all said hi and thanks! 😉

[Aerick]

Love your dad! Love the FO! Love 1280 and the coverage we get on there! Love the post game show! Love RSL!!!

I for one, haven't had any beef with your commentary, and have really enjoyed what you've said - but then again, I'm somewhat of a recent convert myself. The analogies to basketball I can understand due to the infancy of this sport in this market and the attempt to sway the "fringe" fan.

By the way, my company has a job opening, if any of your "unemployed" friends is looking. :D

[DadOf8]

Thanks Spencer. I reiterate what Neil said, that took some major cajones. Thanks for the soccer coverage. I apologize for writing a letter to your program director about the soccer bashing. I think I speak for all of us on this board when I say, "I'm passionate about soccer." Thanks again.

[Seriously]

This is my first post and there is a good chance it is my last.

The Loyalists seriously need to get a backbone. If your going to do something or say something that might be of controversy then you should have the balls to stand up for what you believe.

I have read all these negative posts (which this forum is full of and don't try to cop out of it) about Spencer and his lack of knowledge or whatever, but as soon as he comes online (if that is him) you all start kissing his ass like there is no tommorrow.

What if I told you that I was the tattooed/swearing guy? Are you guys going to be all apologetic to me? What if I was one of the other fans that sat in your section, so that I could be apart of the true soccer fans, only to find out I was being bashed online or behind my back? Would you guys start kissing my ass? (seems that sometimes you want to push more people away than you want to invite in)

This is the same with the Black streamers. Some loyalist had to call into the radio show to justify why it was done. Seriously, how lame can you get?

If you can't stand up for your actions and beliefs then why do them? I too appreciate what the Checketts family has done for all us soccer fans. We all knew SLC was a soccer state and they did too. The fact remains that they are not going to do everything perfect or to what I would like. If I am not happy with anything I will let them know, but I will also do it in a mature way (even if that is face to face)

I am just wonder if the Loyalists are a real supporters club. I would think that a supporters club would be there to help the team and FO do the best job possible. Not to belittle them behind their backs only to turn around and be brown nosers.

I am sure this will just enrage many of you and thats fine. Maybe I just have a hot head like Mathis and with wanting not on the pitch you all think I shouldn't even be in the stadium. Well I am sorry folks, for me its....

REAL ALL THE WAY!!!!

P.S. Thanks to those who are true supporters of soccer in Utah and want to welcome all.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by Seriously

This is my first post and there is a good chance it is my last.

The Loyalists seriously need to get a backbone. If your going to do something or say something that might be of controversy then you should have the balls to stand up for what you believe.

I have read all these negative posts (which this forum is full of and don't try to cop out of it) about Spencer and his lack of knowledge or whatever, but as soon as he comes online (if that is him) you all start kissing his ass like there is no tommorrow.

What if I told you that I was the tattooed/swearing guy? Are you guys going to be all apologetic to me? What if I was one of the other fans that sat in your section, so that I could be apart of the true soccer fans, only to find out I was being bashed online or behind my back? Would you guys start kissing my ass? (seems that sometimes you want to push more people away than you want to invite in)

This is the same with the Black streamers. Some loyalist had to call into the radio show to justify why it was done. Seriously, how lame can you get?

If you can't stand up for your actions and beliefs then why do them? I too appreciate what the Checketts family has done for all us soccer fans. We all knew SLC was a soccer state and they did too. The fact remains that they are not going to do everything perfect or to what I would like. If I am not happy with anything I will let them know, but I will also do it in a mature way (even if that is face to face)

I am just wonder if the Loyalists are a real supporters club. I would think that a supporters club would be there to help the team and FO do the best job possible. Not to belittle them behind their backs only to turn around and be brown nosers.

I am sure this will just enrage many of you and thats fine. Maybe I just have a hot head like Mathis and with wanting not on the pitch you all think I shouldn't even be in the stadium. Well I am sorry folks, for me its....

REAL ALL THE WAY!!!!

P.S. Thanks to those who are true supporters of soccer in Utah and want to welcome all.

Wow tell us how you really feel!

So which are you? Tattooed Swearing Guy or Cleetus!
Well either way, I don't think you will need to wash your @ss any time in the near future but welcome anyway!

[schecketts]

Thanks for all the responses!! We are very proud of what RSL has already become and much of the credit goes to all of you.........we are building this bad boy together!

Just a quick FYI: After hearing some of the comments made about what I said on the post game show concerning the black streamers, I went back and listened to the tape of the show to see what I said......here is my exact quote:

"I thought it was a bit quirky, but they are paying patrons and they have the right to express themselves any way they deem appropriate. The Loyalists have been great and they have proven that they will be in our corner no matter what, we love thier support. This is America and they can express themselves however they want. They paid their hard earned cash to watch the match, so they have the right to criticize us when we dont do them justice by playing well."

Pretty harmless, huh?

Anyway.....quick question, want to get your feedback: When I am on the air speaking about soccer, do you think I should strive to speak the "international soccer language" or should I speak in more "american" terms? It's a hard line to walk and we as an organization have mixed opinions....any feedback from you die hards would be great!

Thanks again for all the great responses, I am glad to be here!

SC

[RSLfrontrowfan]

Originally Posted by Old Ska

Correct me if I am remembering wrongly, but didn't some of the negative tone of messages talking about Spencer Checketts arise originally from his criticism of the Loyalists and the black streamers throwing thing? I would like to make the case to him that soccer supporters culture is different from the fan base of any other sport. In the context of soccer supporters culture the black ribbons were a way of taking ownership of a dubious record "our" team set. In the same way that criticisms of Spencer Checketts as an individual and of his friends on a personal level were counter productive and totally unwarranted, I think it was unfortunate that the team's publicity manager sort of took a back-handed swipe at the Loyalists. I understand why he did it (ignorance of soccer supporters culture) and I think we can all forgive him for it, but typically when the supporters club of a team turns on the front office, the front office really knows it. The fans of RSL are no where even remotely close to that point yet.

Good post. There is certainly a learning curve involved with soccer for the US fan. There are those of us who have played since we were 5. There are those who have followed international leagues/teams/support clubs religiously. There are those that have witnessed first hand a European or South American tilt. Those who have know what a mind-blowing, and dare I say life-altering, experience it is. Many of us here even served missions in areas where "soccer is life", or beleive, as Bill Shankly said, "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

I think it is a big mistake to criticize any in the media for not having an advanced knowledge of the sport, it's history or it's culture. Especially when they themselves admit, on air, that they have much to learn. I, for one, hope Spencer returns often to these forums. I hope we can help provide him the wealth of information required to become more versed in "the beautiful sport." ⚽ ⚽ ⚽

[Old Ska]

Okay Spencer, 2 posts. Time to pay your $6 and become a site supporter!