Blackburn Rovers have been named as the most exciting team in the Premiership, even though they finished 15th last season. Average excitement scores at matches were calculated at 189, compared with 157 at lowest-placed Newcastle, which is surprising given the reputation of Toon fans for fanaticism, but doubtless reflects the fare served up on the pitch last season. The high tension at Blackburn was put down to the team’s frustrating performances and failure to meet expectations.
Blackburn Rovers have been named as the most exciting team in the Premiership, even though they finished 15th last season. Average excitement scores at matches were calculated at 189, compared with 157 at lowest-placed Newcastle, which is surprising given the reputation of Toon fans for fanaticism, but doubtless reflects the fare served up on the pitch last season. The high tension at Blackburn was put down to the team’s frustrating performances and failure to meet expectations. Pyschologist Dr David Lewis said, ‘Fans are willing their team out of the mid-table comfort zone, causing tension levels to increase more than fans of big clubs who expect their team to win and are therefore calmer.’ Presumably the reaction is stronger if they do lose? In fact Manchester United fans’ heart rates stayed higher for longest after games, presumably caused by a sense of strong satisfaction. The scores were based on measuring the heart rate and levels of conisol, a stress hormone, among supporters of all Premiership sides for Wrigley Extra. Presumably, after the Sir Alex Feguson model, chewing gum reduces stress. Arsenal finished 2nd in the rankings, Manchester United came 3rd and Wigan Athletic 4th. The highest newly promoted side was Stoke city at 10th.