21 Mar 2016 00:11:23
Ed02, would you know about where our fanbase is strong and not so strong in the middle east, all info appreciated.
{Ed002's Note - The Middle East is not an area where Liverpool are particularly strong in terms of a fan base. But as Liverpool has the highest number of supporters in the UK it is likely that the strongest areas for them in the Middle East will be where the most British ex-pats are based - so UAE and then Saudi.
For a while now the stats for fans are based, as you would expect, on the number of fans on social media and that helps provide the demographics for where those fans are based. Top 10 at the last time of asking found Liverpool at number 7 ahead of PSG, Manchester City and AC Milan. Liverpool were just behind Bayern Munich, with Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of them. There was then a significant leap to Manchester United, Real Madrid and, at number 1, Barcelona.
In terms of the more precise demographics for the five Premier League clubs:
Manchester United has the most supporters in both India and China - and given the size of population in those countries it is not a surprise to see them so far ahead. Their support is growing in America.
Chelsea are the club with the most supporters most in mainland Europe, Asia, Middle East, Central America and South America. Their support is growing quickly in America and they will soon be well clear of Manchester United and Arsenal.
Arsenal are traditionally the most followed Premier League club in Canada and the USA and, very significantly, throughout Africa (except South Africa) but the USA support is moving rapidly away from Arsenal and toward Manchester United and, in particular, Chelsea.
Liverpool has the highest number of supporters of any club in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and is doing well in some parts of Asia.
Manchester City are not leading the way in any one market but are picking up new supporters faster than any other side. This is a reflection of their success.}
21 Mar 2016 10:19:30
Appreciate that Ed. I may come back to you if you don't mind, it would be about what you was saying about availability or lack of it of merchandise in middle east, would you mind? shall i provide email address/
Thanks again.
{Ed002's Note - I don't have the time to get in to any lengthy discussions 18and5 and I don't deal with my own emails. I should also note that there are who swathes of the Middle East and Africa that will not let me in to their countries. But feel free to ask questions.}
21 Mar 2016 10:59:36
No worries, may ask some time soon.
Cheers.
{Ed002's Note - As I said I don't even deal with my own emails, just a tiny subset of them, so I can't get in to any detailed discussions.}
21 Mar 2016 11:00:58
Just realised it was Ed01 whose post I was reading re merchandise. Will try him.
cheers.
{Ed002's Note - Excellent.}
21 Mar 2016 11:02:46
It's little comments like that that build the mystery of Ed2. Would you ever be open to letting us know a little more about yourself and what you do for a day job (I assume that this is a sideline that fits neatly with your actual career) .
{Ed002's Note - It is a sideline muscared, I certainly don't do this for a living.}
21 Mar 2016 11:13:46
Ed002, given you're not allowed into certain Middle East and African countries, may I ask if you dabble in a bit of anti-dictator freedom fighting on the side? Obviously when you get a break from the Rodeo and when your wet-nurse clients 'dry up'?
{Ed002's Note - A Gentleman Adventurer has to take whatever comes along.}
21 Mar 2016 11:34:41
Ed2, I hope one day there's going to be a grand unveiling. If it turns out you're Joey Barton I'm going to be really upset!
21 Mar 2016 12:25:08
I think Ed002's surname is Quartermaine ;-)
{Ed002's Note - I don't know who that is - Quatermass perhaps?}
21 Mar 2016 12:25:23
Or Smith :)
22 Mar 2016 13:04:36
From my experience of being in Asia, there are lots of football fans here but they often don't have one 'real' team they support. It's often down to if local players are in a particular team. Right now in Japan almost everyone I meet is either a Leicester or AC Milan fan due to Okazaki and Honda. Though Arsenal and Man United still have a lot of fans. I have met maybe two Liverpool fans in the last year or two here.