The Premier League season starts next week. Every year I pick a new Premier League team to support. Yes, you read that correctly.
And before the hardcore football fans start yelling at me, I understand that changing teams is considered sacrilege. If you grew up supporting a club, inherited one from your father, or have spent decades following the same team, keep doing it.
That’s just not my story.
I love football. I played for years. My brother played. My dad coached. My son played. I watch more football than any other sport.
I know the game. I love the game.
My real team is Bayern Munich, which means I can have a little fun with the Premier League.
Why I started picking a new Premier League team each season
Several years ago, I told my wife I wanted to attend a Premier League match in London and let her choose the team.
She picked Tottenham. Damn!
The stadium was incredible. We had a blast.
The team? Not so much.
My wife became a Tottenham fan, but I decided I didn’t hate myself enough to make that a lifelong commitment.
So I came up with a different idea. Something somewhat radical, or perhaps simply innovative.
Pick a new Premier League team every season
Three seasons ago, I supported Manchester City. My younger son Riley and I were at the final match when City won its fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Being a Man City fan was a lot of fun.
The following year demonstrated the danger of random selection: I drew Southampton.
They were awful. They got relegated.
That’s part of the experiment.
Last season was Everton. They finished 13th, which wasn’t bad considering the squad they had.
My one regret was not making it to their new stadium for a home match. Instead, I saw Everton play Tottenham in London.
They lost. Such is life as an Everton fan.
How I Pick the New Premier League Team
The selection is random, but there are a few rules.
I added one new rule this year: I can’t select the previous season’s champion.
There’s a story behind that.
My original random selection was Arsenal. My wife, who is a Tottenham fan, informed me that if I supported Arsenal I would spend the season by myself in the basement. That didn’t sound particularly appetizing.
The rule also prevents me from becoming a bandwagon fan, so Arsenal went back into the hat for another year.
Once the team is selected, I commit for the season. I join the supporters club, buy a jersey, bet on them to win the Premier League, and, most importantly, try to attend a home match.
And the Winner Is…Aston Villa
I’m pretty excited about this one. Aston Villa is an excellent Premier League team.
Villa is one of England’s great historic clubs with a huge fan base and strong traditions.
I’ve heard Villa Park has an excellent atmosphere, and I’ve never been to Birmingham. Supporting Villa gives me another reason to explore a part of England I haven’t experienced before.
They also have an excellent manager; European football is back at Villa Park, and apparently I’m joining some distinguished company.
Tom Hanks is a Villa supporter. So is the future King of England. Not too shabby.
The Real Reason I Do This
My younger son Riley thinks this entire experiment is embarrassing.
He’s a Leicester City supporter, though, so I’ll let you decide who should be embarrassed.
The truth is, this whole thing is partly a scheme to give me another reason to travel to the UK and watch Premier League football.
And I’m perfectly fine admitting that.
I went to three Premier League matches last season with family and friends and had a blast.
I could sit at home every weekend watching Premier League matches without caring very much who wins.
Instead, every season I give myself a reason to learn about another historic club, understand its traditions, meet its supporters, visit another part of England and hopefully stand inside another great football ground.
It’s another excuse to explore. And I don’t need much encouragement to do that.
Up the Villa!
I am Doug Keating, and this is my letter to my sons.